What type of jamming is employed to prevent RADAR tracking by manipulating the return signal?

The correct choice reflects the concept of manipulating the return signal to hinder RADAR tracking. Noise jamming involves transmitting a wide range of random signals that specifically disrupt the receiver's ability to differentiate between the actual RADAR returns and the jamming signals. This creates a noisy environment in which the RADAR cannot effectively interpret the data it receives, thereby preventing accurate tracking of targets.

In the context of electronic warfare, noise jamming is utilized to obscure the signal of interest, making it challenging for the RADAR system to resolve the target from the background interference. This form of jamming does not necessarily attempt to deceive the Receiver; rather, its main purpose is to saturate the system with noise to render it ineffective.

The other types of jamming, such as deceptive jamming or reflective jamming, serve different functions. Deceptive jamming typically involves sending false signals that mimic legitimate returns to confuse and mislead the RADAR operator, while reflective jamming might involve scattering the RADAR signal to give false or misleading reflections. Reactive jamming, on the other hand, activates only when the enemy radar is in operation to disrupt its functionality, which does not primarily involve manipulating the return signal but rather reacting to active RADAR emissions.