Electromagnetic pulse weapons pose a threat to modern militaries around the world. EMP is short for “electromagnetic pulse,” a short but intense blast of electromagnetic energy. These powerful bursts are invisible, very fast, and can instantly destroy electronics, even if they’re turned off. EMPs can travel through the air, water, solid matter, and even the vacuum of space. Such a thing may sound like science fiction, but scientists warn that EMPs may be a significant global threat that could set civilization back decades. These blasts are composed of large quantities of charged particles, meaning they contain vast amounts of energy trying to find their way to electrical “ground.”