Experts Predict World War III Could Bring Back This Unlikely Piece of Tech

In an age where hypersonic missiles, artificial intelligence, and cyber warfare dominate military conversations, it may come as a surprise that experts are turning their attention to a long-forgotten piece of technology—one that may soon make a comeback: the humble shortwave radio.

While it may sound like a relic from a bygone era, this seemingly outdated communication method is gaining renewed interest among military strategists and geopolitical analysts. In the looming shadow of a potential World War III, shortwave radio’s resilience, simplicity, and immunity to certain modern threats make it a candidate for revival.

The Digital Achilles’ Heel

Modern warfare hinges on connectivity. Nations rely on satellites, the internet, and GPS-based systems for everything from communication to targeting and surveillance. But therein lies a vulnerability. As advanced as today’s tech is, it’s also incredibly fragile. Cyberattacks, electromagnetic pulses (EMPs), and anti-satellite weapons could cripple vast swathes of a country’s digital infrastructure in minutes.

“If you take out a nation’s satellites, you don’t just interrupt Netflix—you cut off military command structures, early-warning systems, and battlefield coordination,” says Dr. Helena Kwon, a defense technology analyst at the Global Security Institute. “And that’s where old-school tech like shortwave radio comes in. It can operate independently of internet backbones or satellite constellations.”

What Is Shortwave Radio?

Shortwave radio refers to the use of radio frequencies in the range of about 1.6 to 30 MHz. These waves can travel long distances by bouncing off the Earth’s ionosphere, making them ideal for global communication without the need for satellites or cables.

During World War II and throughout the Cold War, shortwave was a primary means of long-distance communication. Radio stations like the BBC World Service and Voice of America used it to beam news and propaganda across borders. Spies transmitted coded messages via “numbers stations,” and governments monitored enemy transmissions.

By the 2000s, shortwave had largely been abandoned for newer, faster, and clearer digital alternatives. But recent global instability is changing that.

A Low-Tech Solution for a High-Tech Problem

“Modern militaries have become so dependent on digital communications that they’ve forgotten the value of analog redundancy,” says retired U.S. Army Colonel Jake Navarro. “But when satellites are jammed and fiber optics are down, shortwave can keep you in the game.”

The U.S. military has reportedly begun reviving training programs around analog communication, including Morse code, field telephones, and shortwave operation. NATO has also updated protocols to ensure interoperability between digital and analog systems in the event of a total blackout.

China and Russia, meanwhile, have never fully abandoned shortwave. Both nations maintain active international broadcast stations and numbers stations, which some intelligence agencies believe are still used for covert communication.

Civilian Use in a Wartime Scenario

It’s not just militaries that could benefit. In a large-scale war, civilians may find themselves without access to cell towers, broadband internet, or GPS. Shortwave radios—many of which are portable and battery-operated—can become a vital tool for receiving news, government instructions, and even rescue information.

“During conflicts or natural disasters, people often discover that the only way they can get any news is through a $30 shortwave radio,” says Anita Goswami, director of a nonprofit focused on emergency preparedness. “We’re seeing a resurgence of interest in them among preppers, hikers, and off-grid communities.”

Some countries, including Australia and parts of Europe, have begun stockpiling shortwave sets and encouraging public awareness of analog communications in crisis scenarios.

The Resilience Factor

What makes shortwave radio so resilient is its simplicity. It doesn’t require vast infrastructure. A basic transmitter and an antenna are often all that’s needed to get a message out. There’s no need for satellites, undersea cables, or centralized control systems that can be hacked or destroyed.

In contrast to complex digital networks, which rely on constant power and interconnectivity, shortwave can function in harsh, isolated environments. With the right conditions, even a modest rig can transmit across continents.

Shortwave is also harder to track and jam effectively. While jamming is possible, it’s resource-intensive and typically limited in range. Decentralized broadcasts can evade such measures more easily than centralized internet servers.

Back to the Future?

While it’s unlikely that we’ll abandon modern communication systems entirely, the inclusion of shortwave radio in strategic planning highlights a growing awareness of technological vulnerability.

“Resilience is the name of the game,” says Dr. Kwon. “You want high-tech solutions, but you also want backup systems that work when everything else fails. That means going back to basics.”

Interestingly, there’s a generational shift happening as well. Younger engineers and operators, trained primarily in digital systems, are now being taught skills their grandparents used. For many, it’s like stepping into a living history book.

Ham radio clubs are reporting a rise in younger members, military academies are reintroducing analog communication training, and even some schools are incorporating basic radio operations into STEM programs under the guise of “retro-futurism.”

Conclusion

In a world teetering on the edge of conflict, the tools of tomorrow may look surprisingly like the tools of the past. Shortwave radio, long considered obsolete, is proving to be the tortoise in a race dominated by digital hares. Should a global conflict erupt—knocking out high-tech systems and ushering in a new era of asymmetric warfare—it’s comforting to know that a crackling voice on an old radio might still cut through the chaos.

So, dust off that receiver in your attic. In the next world war, your best ally might be the airwaves themselves.