EW | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘EW’ Category

Project Manager Maneuver Ammunition Systems Works To Increase Lethality Of Existing Weapon Systems

Tuesday, April 7th, 2026

It is not often that a revolution in the conduct of warfare occurs, however the introduction of inexpensive, commercially available unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, to the battlefield is just that. Recent global conflicts have demonstrated the vulnerability of large, armored formations and the threat posed by small UAS. The maneuverability of large, armored formations has always been a challenge when breaching defensive lines, but the current vulnerability to the formation is the inability to effectively counter the rapidly growing UAS threat. This new threat set is causing commanders to re-think the employment of armored formations, underscoring a fundamental shift in modern combat dynamics.

Historically, drones and other UAS were limited to technologically-advanced militaries employing multi-million-dollar platforms for persistent surveillance and strikes. Recent conflicts, both globally and within terrorist organizations, have revealed a new paradigm: UASs are no longer limited to technologically advanced militaries, but rather, the new improvised explosive device of this generation’s war. Similarly, UASs are now employed through inexpensive, commercially available and even 3D-printed material that can include modified payloads capable of devastating expensive platforms that lack adequate defenses. The ease of manufacturing and deployment will only lead to further proliferation and evolution in future conflicts, demanding the development of diverse solutions quickly to protect U.S. forces and strengthen homeland security. While threats are becoming cheaper and more accessible on the battlefield, a crucial element of defense must include low-cost kinetic effectors empowering crews to protect themselves and their formations.

THE EVER-EVOLVING UAS THREAT AND CURRENT C-UAS GAPS

The UAS threat is dynamic and exacerbated by a continuous cycle of countermeasure development and UAS reengineering. Historically, drones could be jammed through various electronic warfare technologies by disrupting drone communications, resulting in a communication severance and ultimately a failed mission. As technology evolves, UAS threats will begin to move away from networked communication systems to fiber optic drones, becoming impervious to jammers. This rapid evolution necessitates a diverse suite of effectors to address the changing threat landscape.

Current air defense solutions are often expensive, limited in number and usually at echelons above brigades. The cost-benefit ratio of employing a several-hundred-thousand-dollar missile to defeat hobbyist drones is questionable and poses a readiness issue for more high valued threats. An adversary could potentially exhaust an opponent’s monetary and munition stockpile by employing swarms of cheap, easily produced UAS. While these missiles are effective against individual targets, their use should be reserved for more critical threats. A few small UASs or worse, a swarm, can overwhelm these expensive, limited defenses. A more cost-effective engagement method is essential for the entire battlefield.

Effective kinetic counter-UAS (C-UAS) capability hinges on two critical components: detection and effects. The Army solution cannot include putting exquisite radars onto every platform, not only due to budgetary constraints, but also radars tend to emit electromagnetic signatures, which will be exploitable for enemy targeting. The Army also cannot count on dedicated Air Defense assets down to the brigade and below. Legacy ammunition, while extremely lethal, requires a direct hit to the threat to be effective. Traditional targets have been slow moving vehicles, stationary personnel in the open, or within defilade position. As the threat changes to small, fast-moving aerial threats, it becomes incredibly difficult to get a direct hit on target, even for dedicated air defense systems with skilled crews. Some of the latest ammunition innovations include programmable airburst rounds, where the weapon system communicates to the round to detonate at a pre-determined distance, creating fragmentation above targets, increasing lethality without having to directly hit the target for effects. This is a great capability to increase the lethality of crews in a variety of situations, providing a bigger lethal footprint over stationary targets in the open, in a trench or in a building. However, the key to this technology is knowing the pre-determined distance (which assumes it remains stationary), which is ineffective in combatting small, moving UAS threats. Getting an accurate range on a fast, moving target is difficult.

While reminiscing of his time on the Bradley platform, Maj. Kenneth Welch, Medium Caliber Assistant Product Manager stated, “During Bradley gunnery training, I remember having to use my laser range finder several times to ensure accurate range against certain stationary targets. I don’t know how it would be physically possible to engage a highly dynamic, constantly moving small target with the current system.” As with defeating any threat, munition placement is critical, whether a direct hit or within proximity, to ensure that the fragmentation from detonation is providing lethality. Traditional programmable airburst significantly increases the lethal footprint versus point detonation, but lasing a target cannot be relied on to determine an accurate pre-programmed bursting distance for the round; there is too much human factor interference. The XM1228 Bradley Aerial Defeat Ground Enhanced Round (BADGER) is the C-UAS solution that armored brigades need to overcome human programming error and increase lethality. This innovation at the round is key to increasing the number of potential kills per vehicle, without adding a new weapon system.

XM1228 BADGER

The operational environment is changing quickly, and that means getting new capabilities to our Soldiers, at the speed of relevance, is more critical than ever. Every decision is made with the goal of rapidly enhancing their capabilities. Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Agile Sustainment and Ammunition has developed proximity fuze technology for 30mm that has been fielded to mobile low, slow, small unmanned aerial integrated defeat system, Marine Air Defense Integrated System and partner countries, which has been deemed a “game-changer” for kinetic C-UAS solutions for the joint force. Proximity fuze ammunition eliminates the need for a direct hit, or pre-determined detonation, to achieve an effect. The fuze utilizes a small RADAR to detect threats and detonates within lethal distance, increasing probability of kill significantly. This provides the gunner with no additional burden, no modifications to the weapon or fire control and allows him to lase targets traditionally, firing within the ‘proximity’ of the target for successful kills. Because this technology is government owned (developed by Department of Army civilians) it allows for the ability to implement it across multiple ammunition calibers and applications.

The conflict in eastern Europe has demonstrated the effectiveness of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, but also the vulnerability to the UAS threat for all platforms, formations and Soldiers. It’s apparent that our current armored brigade combat teams (ABCT) will share the same vulnerabilities in any future conflict. Project Manager Maneuver Ammunition System, in collaboration with Project Manager Mounted Armor Vehicles, leveraged the capability that has been fielded in 30mm and designed a 25mm solution to serve as a unit common C-UAS solution for ABCTs. The 25mm XM1228 BADGER provides organic C-UAS capabilities to the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle with no additional vehicle or weapon modification required. Being employed no differently than the legacy 25mm M792 High Explosive Incendiary with Tracer, the gunner can utilize the M242 weapon system to engage UAS threats with the pull of the trigger. The XM1228 BADGER empowers crews to effectively counter these lethal threats with a low-cost solution, increasing probability of kill and increasing total vehicle stowed kills, resulting in an increased magazine depth. The XM1228 BADGER is utilizing the miniaturized RADAR technology and are able to sense targets within its flight path. Once the bullet detects the target, it detonates, utilizing the fragmentation of the warhead to defeat aerial threats.

Traditional targeting and round placement are a gunner’s biggest challenge for lethality. Introduce moving targets and the challenge grows, resulting in spent ammunition, shorter engagement times and platform vulnerability. The proximity fuzing within BADGER enables a fire and forget application, as a gunner just needs to get ‘close enough,’ which results in highly effective lethal engagements and cost benefits. Integrating this round into the Bradley increases the crew’s ability to engage targets, enhancing survivability and reducing logistical burden by increasing the number of potential kills stowed on the vehicle.

TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT AND DOCTRINE IMPLICATIONS

The Bradley was originally developed to destroy Russian vehicles in the 1970s and 1980s. A new chapter was written in the 2020s with its recent deployment to eastern European conflicts. While it’s been decades since Bradley’s inception, and many attempts at its replacement, the vehicle has exceeded expectations against near peer adversaries, providing a basis for continued service and continue investment in its readiness and survivability.

With all the platforms’ success, UAS with lethal payloads have highlighted a glaring weakness for not only Bradley but all current and future platforms. A disturbing amount of reported vehicle damage is attributed to these UAS, leaving a large capability gap for armored formations; but this will change.

Insert BADGER; currently in production for safety testing for next year, then expected to be in formation in 2027. Whether equipped on a designated vehicle or across the entire formation, crews can engage the threat and continue their assault. By suppressing the sUAS threat and reducing casualties, the attacking force can close with the enemy and leverage their superior firepower to overwhelm the defenders.

CONCLUSION

The XM1228 BADGER provides a mid-to-close range countermeasure for the Bradley. It complements longer and shorter-range countermeasures, creating a layered defense incorporating both kinetic and non-kinetic means. This layered approach extends beyond the platform level; integrating brigade assets within the division creates a holistic capability to counter the UAS threat currently plaguing armored formations in Eastern Europe.

For more information, go to jpeoaa.army.mil/Project-Offices/PM-MAS.

By Maj. Kenneth Welch and Kaitlyn Tani for Behind the Frontlines

MAJ. KENNETH WELCH is the assistant product manager Medium Caliber Ammunition, C-UAS. He holds an MBA from Arkansas State University and a B.A. in psychology from the University of New Mexico.

KAITLYN TANI is the deputy product manager Medium Caliber Ammunition. She holds a Master of Engineering in mechanical engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology and a B.S. in chemical engineering from Rowan University.

Posted in Armoured Vehicles, Army, C-UAS, EW, Guest Post | No Comments »

Angry Kitten – How Navy Engineers Turned a Threat Simulator into an Offensive Electronic Attack Weapon

Sunday, April 5th, 2026

A supervisory engineer at Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division spent years building a jammer designed to defeat America’s own radars. The harder his team made it for friendly pilots to see through the jamming, the better they were doing their job.

Then the question changed: what if the same system could jam the enemy?

The system is Angry Kitten, an electronic warfare pod that NAWCWD engineers integrated and matured over a decade. Built to simulate hostile jamming during training, it is now headed to contested airspace as an offensive weapon, giving pilots a proven, government-owned jammer to suppress enemy air defenses.

That transformation spans three military services and a partnership between NAWCWD and Georgia Tech Research Institute that began with one requirement: the Air Force needed better threat pods.

In 2013, aggressor squadrons at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, needed advanced jamming pods to create realistic electronic warfare environments during training. Georgia Tech Research Institute had developed Angry Kitten’s core technology. The Air Force needed a team to package it into a flyable, maintainable pod system.

They chose NAWCWD’s Airborne Threat Simulation Organization. The organization had spent decades building and fielding threat simulation jammers for Navy and Air Force training ranges, working directly with intelligence agencies to replicate the electronic warfare environments U.S. pilots would face in combat.

Its engineers brought deep knowledge of the threat signals being replicated and the friendly radars being tested.

The Air Force wanted Georgia Tech’s Angry Kitten technology but needed a team to integrate and field it. They chose NAWCWD.

“They knew that’s our expertise and we’re really good at integration,” said the NAWCWD supervisory engineer.

First flights came in 2017. The early years tested the engineering team as much as the pods.

Antenna covers cracked during high-speed flights at Nellis, creating foreign object debris risk to aircraft engines. The Air Force grounded every pod. The program’s credibility was on the line. NAWCWD engineers worked with Georgia Tech to redesign the radome and returned the fleet to flight status within months.

The fix demonstrated more than engineering discipline. It proved the strength of a partnership where Georgia Tech develops and prototypes the electronic warfare technology and NAWCWD integrates it onto aircraft, certifies it for flight and sustains it in the field.

At the core of that technology is Angry Kitten’s Technique Description Language architecture. Georgia Tech designed TDL as a hybrid that pairs dedicated hardware modules for speed and bandwidth with software for complex decision-making.

The practical result: government programmers can reprogram the jammer to counter new threats without sending it back to the contractor for expensive, time-consuming code changes. When an adversary adapts its radar tactics, NAWCWD’s team can update the jammer’s response in days instead of waiting months for a contract modification.

“This enabled the government operators of the pods to generate a huge variety of high-performance electronic attack techniques at vastly reduced costs and development times, as compared to other systems,” said Roger Dickerson, principal research engineer at Georgia Tech Research Institute.

That reprogramming speed attracted units beyond the training world.

The Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center in Tucson secured an agreement to use Angry Kitten pods. Operators discovered that the red adversary simulator could fill a gap left by delays to the Air Force’s next-generation jammer program.

By 2024, what started as a borrowed training asset had become an operational test bed.

They validated the pods’ offensive potential through exercises and range testing. In a March 2025 statement, Christopher Culver, electronic warfare technical lead at the test center, said operators were reprogramming techniques and pushing real-time updates to the pod. The approach enabled rapid optimization of jamming against threat systems.

AATC secured authorization to bring Angry Kitten to theater.

“We developed this system as a training tool to test our radars, and now we’re bringing that same capability to warfighters as an offensive electronic attack jammer to protect their aircraft in real situations,” said the NAWCWD supervisory engineer.

The dual role works because electronic warfare allows it. A threat simulator and an offensive jammer use the same physics, the same signal processing, the same hardware. What changes is the target.

NAWCWD’s threat expertise made the system realistic enough to train against. That same realism made it effective enough to fight with.

“We take the lessons learned from jamming our own radars and bring that capability to our operators in harm’s way,” said the NAWCWD supervisory engineer.

Story by Michael Smith, Photos by Kimberly Brown and Katie Archibald

Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division

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

3rd Special Forces Group Pioneers Transformation for Multidomain Operations

Friday, April 3rd, 2026

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and evolving warfare, special operations stands at the forefront of transformation. As the Army adapts to the pressing demands of a battlefield plagued with changing threats, 3rd Special Forces Group is spearheading a significant transformation.

In an invigorated effort to enable multidomain operations, 3rd Special Forces Group is transforming its legacy military intelligence company into a robust multidomain operations company. The move not only enhances the capabilities of special operations but also aligns with the broader initiative to foster interdependence, interoperability and integration across the force.

The transition to a multidomain company is just a small part of a comprehensive transformation strategy aligned with the Army’s modernization efforts. The new structure consolidates the group’s intelligence and electronic warfare capabilities under a single company, highlighting the significance of this shift in operational capabilities.

As battalions across the formation use their forces to meet strategic-level objectives, the newly structured company is taking on an increased responsibility for the training and readiness of signals intelligence and electronic warfare soldiers within the formation.

“One of the key initiatives that we have done is assumed responsibility of the advanced collection training team, which is helping to facilitate a streamlined training glidepath for the group’s [signals intelligence] and [electronic warfare] assets,” said Army Capt. Andrew Reynolds, multidomain operations company commander.

As the company adjusts to its new role in the group, it is returning to foundational intelligence practices, drawing on insights from 1980s doctrine.

“We are analyzing current [geopolitical] events, like the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the large-scale military drills in China, and applying decades-old doctrine to better understand how we can effectively counter near-peer threats during large-scale combat operations,” Reynolds explained as he emphasized the impacts of preparing soldiers for the complexities of modern warfare.

Despite ongoing advancements and an overall transformation of warfighting systems, the company is still developing new solutions to mitigate the challenges of integrating intelligence capabilities with the conventional force and joint partners.

“We are working to identify solutions to efficiently and effectively support the targeting process with real-time data,” Reynolds said. “The networks and systems we use do not always ‘talk’ to one another, leading our soldiers to use slow and outdated techniques to feed targeting.”

To enhance collaboration and integration practices across the force, Reynolds and his company are engaging with Army corps-level commands to execute comprehensive training that tests the company’s systems and capabilities. In line with Army transformation efforts, the formation is exploring the application of future artificial intelligence to feed joint systems, enhancing data analysis and streamlining the targeting process across the joint force.

Meeting the Army’s growing demands requires innovation, adaptability and realistic training. To meet these demands, the company is executing certification, validation and verification training events to ensure the formation’s readiness for deployment in support of large-scale combat and stability operations.

At higher command levels, the company is curating training and an operational support model that meets the unique demands of unconventional warfare in a contemporary warfare environment.

While the special operations enterprise is transforming at an unprecedented rate to meet the growing demands of warfare, no transformation is equal to it. The 3rd Special Forces Group’s tailored approach not only meets the unit’s unique needs but also reinforces the holistic objectives of multidomain operations.

Through this transformation, the multidomain operations company is positioning itself to lead the way in innovative intelligence solutions, ensuring the joint force is prepared to face future challenges.

By Army MAJ Justin Zwick, 3rd Special Forces Group

Posted in Army, EW, Guest Post, ISR, SOF | 3 Comments »

PMTEC Elevates Electronic Warfare Training at Exercise Cobra Gold 2026

Monday, March 30th, 2026

LOPBURI PROVINCE, Thailand — U.S. Army Electronic Warfare (EW) Soldiers participating in the U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) Exercise Cobra Gold 2026 conducted spectrum-focused training designed to improve detection, protection, and disruption capabilities in a realistic electromagnetic environment at Fort Bhumibol, Thailand, Feb. 25 to March 6, 2026.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s J7 Pacific Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Capability (PMTEC) provided emitter support that allowed electromagnetic warfare teams to train against real electromagnetic signatures, transforming what would have been a theoretical exercise into a hands-on, operationally relevant experience. By introducing active electromagnetic signatures into the training area, PMTEC enabled Soldiers to train against real signals rather than relying solely on simulated or classroom-based instruction.

According to U.S. Army Warrant Officer Shelby Honzell, assigned to 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, without active emitters, Soldiers cannot fully execute mission-essential tasks such as electromagnetic support. For U.S. and partner forces refining their electromagnetic warfare capabilities, that realism depends heavily on having a realistic training environment.

“I really appreciate the fact that they are putting in the effort to get us emitters,” Honzell said. “It makes the training value much higher when there’s targets out there for these Soldiers to target.”

Electromagnetic warfare is not a skill set that can be mastered in a classroom alone. Without signals to detect, track, and disrupt EW Soldiers cannot fully execute their mission-essential tasks.

“If there are no emitters out there, it makes it difficult for EW to get sets and reps on targeting, as far as their training objectives,” Honzell said. “It makes a difference when Soldiers can physically operate their equipment against live signals and see how their actions affect the environment.” PMTEC’s support ensured those “sets and reps” were possible — enabling Soldiers to conduct direction finding, sensing, and jamming in a realistic electromagnetic environment.

This year’s Cobra Gold iteration also incorporated experimentation with Multi-Functional Reconnaissance Company (MFRC) tactics, techniques and procedures. The integration placed reconnaissance elements alongside EW teams, allowing both formations to better understand how they operate together in a modern fight.

“We’re testing out the MFRCs’ TTPs ensuring reconnaissance scouts and EW teams work as a unified force,” said Honzell. “This integration gives scouts a front-row seat to EW operations, ensuring both elements of reconnaissance are fully synchronized on the battlefield.”

That integration reflects a broader shift toward multi-domain operations — a cornerstone of USARPAC’s approach to modern warfare. Success depends on the seamless coordination of ground maneuver forces, reconnaissance, and electromagnetic effects. This coordination improves understanding of how electromagnetic warfare contributes to information collection, targeting, and force protection within a multi-domain framework.

Modern warfare increasingly plays out across the electromagnetic spectrum. According to Honzell, EW encompasses three primary functions: electromagnetic attack, including jamming and denial of enemy communications; electromagnetic protection, safeguarding friendly forces and ensuring force protection; and electromagnetic support, including direction finding and sensing to provide commanders with actionable intelligence.

Each of those roles requires exposure to realistic signals. PMTEC’s emitter support created that contested environment, enabling troops to practice detecting, protecting, and attacking within the spectrum — rather than simply discussing it.

The training environment also provided opportunities for collaboration with Thai counterparts. While Thai EW personnel were not fully integrated on the ground, their presence observing operations fostered shared understanding and future interoperability.

“The Royal Thai Army has shown a high level of engagement with our current operations and a strong desire for collaboration,” said Honzell. “This partnership has fostered a highly productive and collaborative training environment.”

As military operations increasingly rely on communications networks, sensors, and electronic systems, the ability to operate effectively in the electromagnetic spectrum remains a critical competency. By incorporating emitter support into Cobra Gold 2026, PMTEC enabled electronic warfare Soldiers to conduct practical, field-based training aligned with their operational requirements.

“You can’t fully replicate this kind of training in a classroom,” Honzell said. “Operating in a live electromagnetic environment better prepares us to execute our mission.”

Established in 2022, PMTEC is a transformative enterprise funded and resourced by the United States Indo-Pacific Command to enhance joint, combined, and coalition warfighting readiness, posture, and lethality in the Indo-Pacific. It has created and is constantly enhancing the largest coalition range system in the world, linking geographically distributed ranges and training areas across the Indo-Pacific theater and beyond. PMTEC is a key component of the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to homeland defense and a free and open Indo-Pacific. PMTEC’s integration of advanced training technologies and its alignment with U.S. national security and defense strategies make it a cornerstone of U.S. efforts to maintain regional stability and counter adversarial aggression.

Story by Eleanor Prohaska

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command

Posted in Army, EW, Guest Post | Comments Off on PMTEC Elevates Electronic Warfare Training at Exercise Cobra Gold 2026

United States Space Force Awards AnySignal to Fortify MILSATCOM Against Electronic Warfare

Friday, March 27th, 2026

LOS ANGELES, March 25, 2026 — AnySignal announced it has been selected by the United States Space Force (USSF) to field their Resilient, Agile, and Interference-Defiant Network for Secure Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) and Space Data Network (SDN). This contract will accelerate the fielding of a combat-ready architecture designed to ensure mission continuity in Contested, Denied, and Degraded (CDD) environments.

As near-peer adversaries increasingly deploy sophisticated Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities to disrupt allied command and control, the reliance on centralized, rigid satellite links has become a critical vulnerability. AnySignal is addressing this operational gap by delivering autonomous, decentralized communications architecture in the face of adversarial spectrum denial.

“The modern battlespace requires communications infrastructure that is as dynamic and resilient as the warfighters it supports,” said John Malsbury, CEO at AnySignal. “AnySignal’s Defense platform is moving beyond static links to a self-healing network that autonomously navigates the spectrum to defeat interference.”

The effort focuses on maturing and validating the system for operational deployment. At the core of the solution is AnySignal’s Defense platform bolstering hardened Military Satellite Communications and the Space Data Network.

How AnySignal’s Defense platform is Advancing Resilient Military Communications in Contested Environments:

Autonomous Adaptation – Detects jamming in real time and autonomously adapts to maintain uninterrupted mission communications.

Waveform Agility and Reconfigurability – Allows rapid switching between Low Probability Intercept/Detection (LPI/LPD) waveforms for tactical concealment at the edge and high-throughput backhaul.

Advanced Threat Mitigation – Intelligent radios sense the spectrum and dynamically adjust links, power, and routing under adversarial pressure.

Zero Packet Loss – Autonomous rerouting preserves mission-critical data with no interruption, even in degraded environments.

Strategic Impact and Transition
AnySignal directly supports the Department of War’s vision for CJADC2 and the Space Data Network by ensuring reliable, assured data transport across heterogeneous platforms. As integrated defense initiatives like Golden Dome demand continuous, interference-resistant connectivity across distributed nodes, AnySignal provides the resilient communications backbone these architectures require.

Posted in Comms, Contracts, EW, Press Release, Space | Comments Off on United States Space Force Awards AnySignal to Fortify MILSATCOM Against Electronic Warfare

52nd Collaborative EW Symposium Welcomes UK for First Trilateral Event

Sunday, March 22nd, 2026

NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER WEAPONS DIVISION, POINT MUGU, Calif.

Welcome to the Invisible War

Invisible wars demand visible action. In this arena, coalition electronic warfare, interoperability and spectrum superiority will decide victories in future near-peer conflicts.

Whoever owns the electromagnetic spectrum owns the battlefield.

That’s why nearly 500 electronic warfare leaders from the United States, Australia and — for the first time — the United Kingdom gathered at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, March 11-13 for the 52nd annual Collaborative Electronic Warfare Symposium.

The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division and the Association of Old Crows jointly host the annual symposium under a co-sponsorship agreement. The event focuses on collaboration and innovation in EW, uniting government and industry partners worldwide.

Policies and Platforms Risk EW Static

One of the biggest challenges in coalition EW is getting different nations and services to operate seamlessly in the EMS. Without standardized doctrines, aligned classification standards and compatible technological platforms, coalition operations risk becoming disjointed.

Bottom line: Coalition forces shouldn’t encounter more static from their own policies than from their adversaries.

Coalition EW Steps Up for Near-Peer Showdown

This year’s theme, “Coalition EW in Near-Peer Conflict,” explored interoperability across coalition EW operations, from ground and airstrike to naval combat, in a classified setting. Symposium co-chairs David Wood and Thomas Bluhm, NAWCWD’s lead event planners, guided discussions on enhancing coalition readiness for near-peer conflicts.

This year’s symposium brought together everyone from four one-star military officers and civilian specialists to young professionals in the Engineer and Scientist Development Program.

“Effective coalition EW requires alignment at every level, from senior leadership down to junior warfighters and support personnel,” Bluhm said.

One Team’s Mission to Unite Three Nations

Two years of policy hurdles. Classification roadblocks. Endless coordination challenges.

Dave Mohler, NAWCWD’s Airborne Electronic Attack International Programs lead, and his team overcame them all with one clear mission: bring the United Kingdom into the EW conversation alongside the United States and Australia.

“Our International Programs team is made up of highly specialized and dedicated professionals,” Mohler explained. “It wouldn’t have been possible without my international policy analysts, security specialists, and foreign contact officers”

Mohler coordinated with senior Navy and Department of Defense officials to expand the previously bilateral U.S.-Australia symposium, held since 2015, to include the UK.

Bringing the UK into the fold was critical, as AUKUS enables deeper coalition collaboration.

Established in 2021, AUKUS initially focused on nuclear-powered submarines. Its second pillar prioritized collaborative defense capabilities, including EW — creating the opportunity Mohler needed.

“This was not a simple or easy task,” Bluhm said. “Mr. Mohler and his team worked through many denials and hurdles to secure approvals for this first-ever tri-national Collaborative EW Symposium.”

Mohler emphasized why this expanded partnership matters.

“More than ever, we must acknowledge that the wars of tomorrow will not be deterred, nor fought, alone,” Mohler stressed. “This is the first step toward understanding how we operate together and identifying areas where we can cooperatively develop solutions for the warfighter.”

Thanks to Mohler’s efforts, the three nations now have a clear framework for deeper cooperation, making AUKUS a blueprint for dominating the EMS.

Why Point Mugu Still Leads the EW Fight

For the first trilateral event focused on dominating the invisible fight, you go where history has proven itself — a quiet naval base along California’s coast: Point Mugu.

In April 1951, Cmdr. Clifton Evans Jr. established the Countermeasure-Interference Division, creating the Navy’s first dedicated EW capability — a visionary move that was decades ahead of its time. More than 70 years later, pioneering foresight keeps Point Mugu at the forefront of EW, laying the groundwork critical to coalition EW in the age of near-peer threats.

“In the 74 years since, spectrum warfare technologies have grown exponentially,” Bluhm said. “Denying adversaries the use of their radars, communications and navigation signals while ensuring our coalition allies maintain resilient and effective spectrum operations is best done with our trusted allies.”

With Point Mugu’s legacy established, the focus shifts to next-generation technologies allies are leveraging to close EW capability gaps.

How AUKUS Allies Are Closing the EW Gap

The symposium showcased next-generation EW technologies from government and industry partners across the three AUKUS nations. Highlights included advanced directed energy weapons, such as high-power microwave systems, and compact, low-cost SWaP jammers delivering high performance. Attendees also explored radar alternatives and innovative command-and-control systems for EMS operations.

On day two, gray skies and periodic rain greeted attendees at the Station Theater for the symposium’s strategic panel.

Moderated by Bluhm, the panel featured U.K. Royal Air Force Air Commodore Blythe Crawford, commandant of the Air and Space Warfare Centre; Australian Air Commodore Peter Robinson, commander of Air Combat Group; and NAWCWD’s director of research and development, Harlan Kooima.

“The U.K. delegation is delighted to be attending the Collaborative EW symposium at Point Mugu alongside our U.S., Australian and industry partners,” Crawford remarked. With a smile, he noted that the weather reminded him of his hometown in Lincolnshire, England.

He went on to highlight the strategic importance of the trilateral partnership.

“If we are to fight together, then we need to leverage each other’s technologies, methodologies and processes for spectrum management,” Crawford explained. “We all have discrete expertise in EW. Collaborative approaches are essential if we are to prevail as partners in any future fight.”

Each nation brings powerful EW platforms to the table: the U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler, with its precision jamming; the Royal Australian Air Force E-7 Wedgetail, an airborne early warning system with vast range; and the U.K. Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon, armed with the advanced Praetorian Defensive Aids Sub-System.

Even the best tools fail if they’re not speaking the same language. Disparate systems and upgrade cycles complicate joint tactics, letting adversaries exploit gaps with advanced jamming and spectrum denial.

The U.S.-Australia Next-Generation Jammer, deployed in 2024 with significant Australian investment, provides a proven model for coalition EW synergy and interoperability, demonstrating how allies can eliminate vulnerabilities in the spectrum fight.

AUKUS Shifts from Blueprint to Battlefield

Tight coordination is critical in the congested and contested EMS. Without it, coalition forces risk accidental interference — a self-inflicted jam session.

Robinson sees the symposium as AUKUS in action, turning high-level strategy into concrete, battlefield-ready capabilities.

“AUKUS calls for the three countries to work together to share an understanding of the tools, techniques and technology to enable our forces to operate in contested and degraded EW environments,” Robinson explained.

He noted they’ve moved beyond philosophical debates toward aligning policy, doctrine and joint operational planning—a critical step as threats rapidly evolve.

And the coalition isn’t wasting any time. One example is already moving from concept to reality.

“In 2025, under AUKUS, we’ll conduct a tri-nation EW experiment focused on hypersonic threats and adversarial AI-driven spectrum denial,” Kooima said. “We’ll test new countermeasures and share the playbook.”

Together, the three nations will practice defending against advanced missiles and AI-powered signal jamming designed to disrupt communication and radar systems.

But Kooima believes the coalition needs something even more targeted to tackle the Indo-Pacific’s unique EW threats.

“I’d push for AUKUS-specific wargames — tabletop and live-fly — that pit us against AI-driven EW threats in Indo-Pacific conditions,” Kooima recommended. “These venues build muscle memory and trust we’ll need in a real fight.”

What a $25 Balloon Taught Us About War

Sometimes, war isn’t won by how much you spend. It’s won by how much it costs your adversary.

Crawford highlighted a powerful lesson from Ukraine: A simple $25 balloon drifting into Russian airspace baited missiles worth enough to buy a garage full of high-end Ferraris — proving how low-cost ingenuity can deflate multimillion-dollar air defense systems.

“While we initially perceived Russia as having an advantage, Ukraine showed us the spectrum is wide open for innovation,” Crawford noted.

He also emphasized another issue revealed by the Ukraine conflict: Modern warfare rapidly exhausts weapon supplies, and the coalition’s industrial base isn’t yet equipped to swiftly replenish expensive weapons. Disposable, inexpensive systems can bridge this critical gap.

The Spectrum Isn’t a Side Mission — It’s The Mission

As the symposium concluded, one theme emerged: Victory in EW demands advanced jammers with pulse-by-pulse agility, near-instant waveform adaptation and coalition teams operating in concert like an elite orchestra.

“This symposium proved one thing: All three nations face the same challenges with respect to future threats and our exploitation of the EMS,” Crawford said.

Robinson went even deeper, pointing to history. Shared values may build alliances, but winning in the EMS demands clear strategy, tight coordination and constant adaptation.

“Australia is blessed to hold the deep relationships we have with the United States and the United Kingdom. Each of our nations has a history of fighting for the values we share. We will fight together again,” Robinson said. “A key part of our success or failure in future conflicts will come down to our ability to win the battle in the EMS.”

For Mohler, this symposium capped years of effort uniting the three nations under AUKUS. And it’s only the beginning.

“Going forward, this event will continue to serve as a platform for the AUKUS partners to gather and drive successful outcomes for the coalition in the years to come,” Mohler concluded.

Kooima envisions a future where AUKUS partners share real-time intelligence, standardize tactical training and rapidly innovate next-generation technologies like quantum computing, artificial intelligence and advanced EW.

“It’s about trust, tech and tempo,” Kooima said. “Get those right, and we’ll outmatch any near-peer coalition.”

Yes, AUKUS is an agreement. But it’s also the strategic frequency coalition forces must tune into to dominate the spectrum fight.

Via NAVAIR

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

Modernizing Air Force TACP Ground Evaluations

Tuesday, March 17th, 2026

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — Air Force tactical air control party (TACP) operators from the 19th Air Support Operations Squadron underwent a comprehensive mission evaluation in January, utilizing advanced electronic warfare and autonomous drone technology to validate new ground combat standards.

The evaluation, which became a requirement for Air Force Special Warfare TACP units roughly two years ago, ensures operators maintain combat mission readiness through a full mission profile. The rigorous assessment covers every phase of a deployment, including preparation, infiltration, action on objectives, exfiltration, and a final mission debrief. Special Operations Warfare Ground Evaluations are conducted every 24 months to validate the unit’s combat mission readiness and ability to operate in in contested environments.

The evaluation began in a classroom setting where the team received a warning order detailing the mission. Lt. Col. Craig Lowrey, the 19th ASOS director of operations, served as the team leader during the exercise. He said the initial phase required the team to analyze the overarching mission set and discuss the scheme of maneuver while identifying the expectations for both friendly and enemy forces.

Once the planning phase concluded and a written portion was completed, the team moved to the field for a target acquisition mission. Evaluators provided only a rough area of interest, forcing the team to rely on specialized equipment to pinpoint an enemy location on an airfield.

The insertion took place in total darkness, requiring every operator to utilize night vision goggles. 1st Lt. Michael Morin, a ground evaluator assigned to the 19th ASOS, said the lack of ambient light made the mission particularly difficult.

Upon reaching the vicinity of the objective rally point, the team secured the area. While the assistant team leader maintained security, the team launched a small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Skydio X2D drone. The sUAS was flown several hundred meters from the target area, obscured by the tree line, to get eyes on the objective.

The sUAS, which features 3D mapping and collision avoidance, allowed the team to navigate the forest and locate targets in a large open area. This provided the commander with a live video feed to refine the targeting data.

Simultaneously, the team utilized Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) using the Beast+ platform. This handheld device identifies and tracks adversary signals, such as radio or cellular communications.

“It can hear what kind of frequencies are being used,” Morin said. “It can help us pinpoint where radio traffic is coming from.”

By combining the signal data from the Beast+ with the visual data from the drone, the commander was able to determine the exact direction and location of the enemy.

Lowrey said the team made its way through multiple checkpoints before reaching the objective area. By using the technology to refine their targeting, they were able to send reconnaissance and surveillance teams forward to pinpoint high-priority targets. This allowed the team to successfully coordinate simulated airstrikes and artillery strikes.

The introduction of these ground evaluations reflects a shift in how the Air Force tests its special warfare operators. Morin noted that because these evaluations are relatively new, units are still refining the process to ensure operators are tested to the highest of their abilities.

The integration of low-profile, high-power technology like the Beast+ and Suas autonomous drones are essential for the TACP community as it prepares for near-peer conflicts where the electromagnetic spectrum is a primary battlefield.

By Jedhel Somera

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, EW, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

Roke USA – Perceive MR Antenna

Wednesday, March 4th, 2026

Part of Chemring Group, Roke USA specializes in electronic warfare systems.

The Perceive Multi Role antenna features a small form factor head for Adaptive Digital Beamforming and Super Resolution Direction Finding (separate multiple signals on same channel) including azimuth and elevation outputs.

Compatible with PREFIX2 and VIPER software it offers 100MHz instantaneous bandwidth covering 2MHz to 6GHz.

Posted in EW, Sensors | No Comments »