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Army Awards Production Contract for the Spectrum Situational Awareness System (S2AS)

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD – The U.S. Army is enhancing electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) situational awareness for commanders through the procurement of the Spectrum Situational Awareness System (S2AS). Awarded by the U.S. Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG), the single-award, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract with 3dB Labs, Inc is valued at $350M for procuring, training, and fielding the S2AS and includes a five-year ordering period.

The S2AS senses, detects, and reports in near real time a command post’s electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) signature and sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI) from all sources. As a dedicated EMS situational awareness system, it supports commanders’ Emissions Control (EMCON) decisions, EMI resolution, and warns operation centers of unauthorized or intentional sources of interference to enable multi-domain operations.

“Transformation in Contact (TiC) unit engagements have allowed us to rapidly integrate new technology in the operational environment for the warfighter. The effort to demonstrate and test COTS-based products with TiC units significantly accelerated the S2AS procurement timeline and will result in fielding starting this year,” said Lt. Col. John Cross, Product Manager for Tactical Spectrum Warfare. “S2AS will make a significant contribution in conducting Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations.”

After successful prototyping and an operational demonstration, the S2AS program received approval to enter the Urgent Capability Acquisition (UCA) pathway with a first unit issued planned in 2026.

“We are proud of the critical capability S2AS provides the U.S. Army to sense and see ourselves in the EMS. By delivering unprecedented visibility, this technology prevents electronic fratricide, helps shape the electromagnetic operating environment, and significantly increases command post survivability against modern threats,” said Col. Scott Shaffer, Project Manager for Electromagnetic Warfare & Collection.

Capability Program Executive Intelligence and Spectrum Warfare

Posted in Comms, Contracts, EW, Press Release | No Comments »

Leonardo Launches Guardian Vantage, a New Passive Land EW and SIGINT Capability to Detect, Identify and Locate Battlefield Emitters

Friday, May 22nd, 2026

Leonardo has unveiled Guardian Vantage, a new land-based Electronic Warfare (EW) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) capability which detects, recognises, identifies and locates enemy emissions on the battlefield. The system is designed for use on land vehicles, ships, or for mounting onto shelters.

Modern operations are increasingly shaped by how effectively forces can sense and understand the electromagnetic environment. Guardian Vantage provides real time battlefield intelligence on emitting enemy systems such as radars, uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and communications. This information can then be exploited by friendly forces for surveillance and target acquisition, to ultimately understand who the enemy is, where they are, and what they are doing.

Enemy emissions are fused into an integrated command and control (C2) system. Guardian Vantage generates an electronic order of battle (ORBAT), mapping detected systems and prioritising the most potent threats to give commanders a better understanding of likely enemy movements and potential danger to friendly forces.

Crucially, Guardian Vantage is a passive system and operates without generating emissions itself. This reduces the risk of detection for friendly forces and provides maximum freedom of action. The system works by analysing the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS), looking for anomalies and unusual patterns before comparing these signals against a threat library. Guardian Vantage is also capable of transcribing radio traffic in real time and can use large language models to translate foreign languages into the operator’s native tongue.

The unveiling of Guardian Vantage took place at the Association of Old Crows Europe (AOC Europe) event in Finland, where Leonardo Campaign Manager, Mike Brown, said: “Guardian Vantage turns the electromagnetic spectrum into a decisive operational advantage – enabling commanders to see what the adversary is doing and where they are operating, ultimately providing an indication of their intent. This provides critical decision advantage and enables forces to outmanoeuvre their adversaries.

“Built on an open architecture and designed with freedom of modification in mind, Guardian Vantage offers customers a future-proof path to sovereign electronic warfare and signals intelligence capability – with rapid upgrade potential as threats naturally evolve.”

Platform agnostic, Guardian Vantage can be integrated onto a wide variety of vehicles and maritime platforms, dependent on customer needs. The system is rapidly exportable, with no ITAR restrictions, and uses high-performance components and software from specialist small to medium enterprises (SMEs) CommsAudit, Esroe and Mercury – all manufactured in the UK.

Posted in EW, International, Press Release | No Comments »

GA-ASI Completes First Flight of MQ-9B With AEW Pods

Thursday, May 21st, 2026

New Development Effort Will Enable Airborne Early Warning Capability for MQ-9B

SAN DIEGO – 21 May 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) flew its MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft for the first time with Airborne Early Warning (AEW) pods. The much-anticipated AEW capability is being provided through a partnership with Saab. Once the AEW sensor, named LoyalEye, is made available to MQ-9B operators and new customers, it will deliver persistent and cost-effective air surveillance capabilities in regions where it is currently unavailable. 

GA-ASI conducted a validation flight of MQ-9B using AEW radar pods on May 19 from GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon flight operations facility in Southern California using a company-owned aircraft. The flight signaled the first step in a development process that is expected to take several months and culminate with a full-capability demonstration later this year.

GA-ASI and Saab announced their partnership last year with the intention of bringing AEW capability to the MQ-9B platform.

MQ-9B models include the SkyGuardian®and SeaGuardian®, the United Kingdom’s MQ-9B variant known as Protector, and the new MQ-9B STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) configuration currently in development for naval aircraft carriers.

“AEW for MQ-9B will offer critical aloft sensing to defend against tactical air munitions, guided missiles, drones, fighter and bomber aircraft, and other threats. Operational availability for a medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS is the highest of any military aircraft, and as an unmanned platform, its aircrews are not put into harm’s way,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.

“This partnership integrates MQ-9B with LoyalEye, equipping operators with vital information for critical decision-making. LoyalEye extends the capabilities of manned systems, and it offers persistent surveillance and greater operational flexibility. This enhances situational awareness and boosts mission success,” said Carl-Johan Bergholm, Senior Vice President and Head of Business Area Surveillance at Saab.

GA-ASI and Saab’s AEW offering will span a wide range of applications, including early detection and warning, long-range detection and tracking, and simultaneous target tracking and flexible system integration, all over line-of-sight and SATCOM connectivity.

Posted in Aviation, EW, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI Completes First Flight of MQ-9B With AEW Pods

Rohde & Schwarz and Quantum Systems Join Forces to Redefine EW and C-UAS-Enabled Uncrewed Operations

Monday, May 18th, 2026

Rohde & Schwarz and Quantum Systems sign strategic Memorandum of Partnership to jointly integrate advanced EW capabilities and C-UAS solutions into next-generation uncrewed-systems, delivering robust, defense solutions for evolving threat environments.

Bonn, May 12, 2026 – Rohde & Schwarz today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Quantum Systems during AFCEA 2026. This strategic agreement marks a significant step toward advancing integrated defense capabilities through the combination of electromagnetic warfare (EW) and counter uncrewed arial systems (C-UAS) expertise and cutting-edge uncrewed systems.

Quantum Systems, a key player in the development of uncrewed and intelligent aerial systems, will collaborate closely with Rohde & Schwarz to explore the integration of the latter’s advanced EW solutions into Quantum Systems’ uncrewed platforms (UxV). The partnership also includes the joint development and deployment of C-UAS solutions, addressing the growing need for effective protection against, e.g. uncrewed aerial threats.

Under the terms of this MoU, both companies will work to enhance operational effectiveness by embedding EW capabilities directly into next-generation uncrewed systems. This collaboration aims to provide defense and security forces with robust, adaptable solutions for complex and evolving operational environments.

“This MoU represents an important milestone in our mission to deliver innovative EW solutions,” said Alexander Philipp, Managing Director, Rohde & Schwarz Vertriebs-GmbH. “By partnering with Quantum Systems, we are combining complementary strengths to create powerful, future-ready capabilities for our customers.”

“The requirements of modern armed forces are changing at a rapid pace. Today, the key is the ability to quickly transfer proven technologies onto new platforms and make them immediately usable. Together with Rohde & Schwarz we are creating a German solution for uncrewed signals intelligence in the air and electronic protection systems on the ground, thereby deliberately expanding capabilities on the battlefield,” said Martin Karkour, Chief Revenue Officer of Quantum Systems.

The agreement underscores both companies’ commitment to innovation, collaboration, and strengthening technological leadership in the defense sector.

Posted in C-UAS, EW, Press Release | No Comments »

NSWC Crane Sailor Brings Fleet to the Lab to Elevate Electromagnetic Warfare Capabilities

Monday, May 18th, 2026

A Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) Sailor and Avionics Technician has spent his decade-long career honing his knowledge and expertise in electromagnetic warfare to support the Fleet. Avionics Technician Petty Officer Second Class (AT2) Jeffrey Weaver joined the U.S. Navy after receiving his bachelor’s degree. He specialized in maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of transmitter and radar packages to support F/A-18 platforms and ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming Systems.

In 2023, AT2 Weaver transferred to NSWC Crane, where he continues to support the Navy’s mission and capabilities by bringing operator-level feedback to engineering building and maintaining tools. This includes scheduled and unscheduled repair of ALQ-99 transmitters, which protect aircraft such as the F/A-18 by disrupting enemy radar.

Working at a federal research and development laboratory forges strong bonds and enables collaboration between the military and civilian workforce.

“The highlight of my time at Crane would be the conversion of the Low Band Transmitter to Low Band Consolidated Transmitters for domestic and Foreign Military Sales programs,” said AT2 Weaver. “The knowledge shared and gained from my time here [is important to me]. I was able to share my expertise on Low Band Transmitters, and my experiences from working in the Fleet with the engineers and civilian technicians. I gained a lot of new insights and knowledge working on transmitters at a deeper level than many of my fellow service members will ever experience.”

AT2 Weaver said his time at NSWC Crane will be valuable as he continues his career.

“I believe the role of a technician in this field is becoming more crucial as technology continues to improve and develop,” he said. “Being able to maintain and repair assets in the Fleet with the knowledge gained here will only improve mission readiness. Developing the skills that allow the Navy to maintain air superiority to protect our aircraft and troops is vital in our nation’s current climate.”

Knowing the impact of his efforts is motivating for AT2 Weaver.

“I find the work important because the work we do here helps Fleet Readiness Centers like Whidbey, the ships in the fleet, and ultimately the pilots flying dangerous missions overseas. Knowing what I work on can help the Navy to fly more missions safely is very important to me.”

Story by Sarah Oh

Posted in EW, Guest Post, Navy | No Comments »

Dogface Soldiers Integrate Drones, Electronic Warfare During Raider Density

Friday, May 8th, 2026

FORT STEWART, Ga. — U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, are redefining how modern warfare is fought during Raider Density, an intensive training event conducted from April–May designed to prepare units for large-scale combat.

Across the installation’s training areas, Soldiers are adapting to a battlefield where information, speed and innovation are as critical as firepower, taking on expanded roles as battlefield technology integrators who connect emerging capabilities directly into maneuver formations.

The concept is rooted in multi-domain operations, or MDO, which synchronizes effects across land, air, cyber and electromagnetic domains. During Raider Density, Soldiers are applying it by employing unmanned aircraft systems and electronic warfare tools at the lowest levels to sense, understand and act within complex environments.

“It’s best to put UAS assets at the company level because it allows them to be used more freely,” said Sgt. Ian Anglin, a UAS operator with 1st ABCT. “At lower levels, they’re quickly accessible and ready to be used at a moment’s notice.”

For cavalry scouts, this shift is transforming reconnaissance by pairing traditional observation with quadcopter drones and EW capabilities, enabling them to identify targets, monitor movement and interpret activity within the electromagnetic spectrum with greater speed and precision. For Soldiers integrating EW at the maneuver level, maintaining proximity to the formation is critical.

“Staying with the formation allows us to get close enough to intercept those systems while maintaining good security,” said Sgt. Griffin Quimby, assigned to the 10th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st ABCT.

By integrating UAS and EW into a single sensing framework, Soldiers can confirm targets, share real-time intelligence and speed up decision-making, increasing responsiveness across maneuver elements.

“Having UAS allows us to scout the battlefield before we’re out there,” said Anglin. “We can relay enemy positions and direct or indirect fire missions.”

Elements of 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment have demonstrated this integration during the exercise, reflecting a broader effort across the brigade to place advanced capabilities in the hands of junior Soldiers, enabling them to adapt quickly and shape the fight at the tactical level.

“If we want to be able to counter UAS and EW or improve our own EW capabilities, we’re going to have to allow the Soldiers to innovate,” said Quimby.

As Raider Density continues, Soldiers of 1st ABCT are reinforcing that success in future conflicts depend on both advanced technology and the Soldiers who employ it. This approach to integrating emerging systems at the lowest tactical level is emerging as a key component of the division’s readiness across multiple domains.

“Integrating with maneuver formations allows Soldiers to see what’s ahead,” said Anglin. “It allows them to survive.”

– SGT Jonathon Downs

Posted in Army, Drone, EW, Guest Post | No Comments »

Pacific Defense Awarded US Marine Corps Contract for Next Generation Electronic Warfare Prototype

Friday, May 1st, 2026

Award advances SOSA/CMOSS mission system ecosystem and informs future EW fielding decisions.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Pacific Defense has been awarded a 12-month rapid prototyping contract by the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), Program Manager for Tactical Communications and Electronic Warfare (PM TCE) to support next-generation electronic warfare (EW) capability evaluation. The effort will assess Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) Electronic Warfare (EW) mission systems and their potential in modernizing USMC capabilities.

Under the contract, Pacific Defense will deliver SOSA/CMOSS-aligned mission systems to enable vehicle-based experimentation by U.S. Marines. The Next Generation EW prototype is centered on the C5ISR Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) and the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) technical standards. This approach enables rapid integration of new hardware and software into a common chassis, accelerating capability insertion while reducing vendor lock and lifecycle costs.

“This effort reflects a pivotal shift toward software-defined, open architecture C5ISR/EW capabilities that can keep pace with the modern threat environment,” said Frank Pietryka, VP of EW, SIGINT & Autonomy at Pacific Defense. “By leveraging SOSA and CMOSS, we’re enabling a scalable, interoperable ecosystem that allows the USMC to rapidly integrate and deploy new capabilities at the tactical edge. We’re proud to support this initiative and help inform the next generation of EME systems.”

This award builds on Pacific Defense’s role as the incumbent on the U.S. Army’s CMOSS Mounted Form Factor (CMFF) program and the Australia Land 555 program. Insights gained through this effort will provide MARCORSYSCOM leadership with critical data to inform future force modernization and follow-on program decisions.

Posted in CEMA, Contracts, EW, Press Release, USMC | No Comments »

Army Research Laboratory, Virginia National Guard Partner to Shape Electronic Warfare Technologies

Tuesday, April 28th, 2026

ADELPHI, Md. – Researchers at the Army’s sole fundamental research laboratory and the Virginia Army National Guard are partnering to advance electronic warfare capabilities.

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, known as DEVCOM, Army Research Laboratory, DEVCOM Army Research Office, and the Virginia Army National Guard’s 116th Mobile Brigade Combat Team kicked off their collaboration at Fort Pickett, Virginia.

Electronic warfare is the use of the electromagnetic spectrum to gain a military advantage by disrupting, denying or degrading an adversary’s communications and electronic systems while protecting friendly forces’ use of the spectrum.

“By grounding research in Soldier experience, this collaboration will help accelerate the science needed to improve the range, runtime, and reliability of future Army EW systems,” said Dr. Matt Glasscott, ARO program manager and lead for the effort.

This effort is just one of several ongoing research initiatives between ARL and the Virginia National Guard, reflecting a strong and growing partnership focused on the Army’s continuous transformation and Soldier readiness.

“Our partnership with the Army Research Laboratory is pivotal to the Virginia National Guard’s commitment to modernization and readiness,” said Brig. Gen. Rusty McGuire, Virginia National Guard, Assistant Adjutant General for Army Strategic Initiatives. “This collaboration ensures our Soldiers are at the forefront of innovation, equipped to counter emerging threats and prepared to excel in overseas deployments. It highlights the vital role our Guard members play in advancing the security of our nation.”

The event marked the beginning of a multi-year effort to address operational challenges faced by Soldiers in the field and to enhance the performance of an Army electronic warfare and signals intelligence system designed to provide Brigade Combat Teams with advanced capabilities to detect, identify, locate, and disrupt enemy communications and electronic signals.

“This collaboration is a great opportunity to interface with and listen to the Soldiers who use these systems every day,” said Dr. Adam Wilson, an ARL task lead for the program. “We are addressing their challenges with innovative solutions. Their insights are critical to shaping the future of electronic warfare technology.”

During the visit, the research team observed the 116th MBCT’s training exercise with the Terrestrial Layer System-Brigade Combat Team electronic warfare system and conducted preliminary field experiments related to thermal behavior, battery performance and system carriage and storage configurations.

Working closely with Soldiers, the team is trying to understand how the thermal generation in these systems affects battery performance and how battery performance can be maximized under the extreme conditions required for these systems.

Future engagements will include live-fire exercises and additional field experiments to refine and validate solutions.

“This is just the beginning of a long-term collaboration that will not only address current challenges but also anticipate future needs,” said Dr. Kyle Grew, ARL branch chief for battery science. “By working hand-in-hand with Soldiers, we’re getting the ground truth on the challenges that the Army’s electronic warfare systems and the batteries that power them are facing to ensure that our research is focused on meeting the real demands of tomorrow’s battlefield.”

By DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory Public Affairs

Posted in Army, EW, Guest Post | No Comments »

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