Objectives  In order to evaluate the operational effectiveness of surface warships more reasonably, this article proposes improving the existing evaluation methods to better suit complex battlefield environments.

  Methods   First, according to operational test items and test scenarios planning, the content of the warship platform test items are analyzed, and classification standards for complex battlefield environments' operational intensity and electromagnetic environment are designed. An improved method for evaluating combat effectiveness based on the influence factors of complex battlefield environments is then proposed, and the operational effectiveness of a certain type of surface warship in an anti-air warfare environment is evaluated.

  Results  The results show that the proposed method is effective.

  Conclusions   The proposed method fully considers the influence of complex battlefield environments on the combat capability of different operational units, and solves the problem of existing operational effectiveness evaluation methods failing to fit the actual situation of complex battlefield environments. As such, this study can provide valuable references for the operational testing of naval vessels.