Celebrate 20 years of the TLR-1

Archive for the ‘EW’ Category

Allen-Vanguard Awarded Contract to Supply SCORPION ECM Systems to a NATO Ally

Thursday, February 1st, 2024

Allen-Vanguard, a global leader in providing customized solutions for defeating Radio Frequency (RF) based terrorist and extremist threats, is delighted to announce that it has won a significant contract to supply 68 SCORPION Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) systems, accessories and spares to a NATO ally. The Allen-Vanguard team will be at the World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia at stand E38 to discuss all their products.

In addition to the hardware, Allen-Vanguard will also provide various support services, including a Train the Trainer (T3) package, to ensure that end users are fully equipped, trained, and prepared to deploy this vital life-saving capability as needed with full operational autonomy. In line with Allen- Vanguard’s philosophy of developing a full sovereign capability for their clients, the T3 package will ensure that the end user can train and evaluate their own personnel on the SCORPION hardware now and into the future.

Allen-Vanguard is also contracted to support in-country with staged technical support visits, spread out over several years. These visits are to help maintain the hardware and update the software to maximise the protection provided and further develop the technical capabilities of the customer.

The initial operating capability for evaluation and training will be delivered in a matter of weeks with further deliverables later in the year.

With now well over 500 sales globally, SCORPION is deployed protecting troops, NGOs and other government agencies in every continent worldwide. It has a flexible, modular architecture with a wide range of power options, antenna configurations and carriage systems which make it is suitable for a myriad of protection tasks. It delivers a hybrid, full spectrum system with extensive threat band coverage giving it superior usability which, combined with advanced technologies, makes SCORPION the most powerful response to present and future RCIED & Drone threats.

Allen-Vanguard’s Business Development Director, Stuart Wilson, said “I am proud that Allen-Vanguard is supporting a key NATO ally with our life-saving SCORPION system. This equipment and the associated support services will ensure that the customer is fully equipped with the best possible capability to address the threats they may face both domestically and abroad. We look forward to working in partnership with the end users into the future to address their needs as they continue to grow and develop this strategic capability.”

Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-85, Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations

Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024

The US Air Force has published Doctrine Publication 3-85, “Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations.”

Under development since last year, this new doctrine sees the transition of AFDP 3-51, Electromagnetic Warfare and Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations, to AFDP 3-85, Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations.

The document’s forward offers this description of the contents:

“The joint force requires an overmatching, offensive approach to electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) to enhance competitive advantage and create multiple dilemmas for adversaries in all domains. Airmen should develop EMS awareness, engagement, and maneuver capabilities that span and connect all domains and enable successful friendly operations. Dominant EMS expertise and capabilities can render adversary sensors, situational awareness, command and control, networks, and decision processes ineffective, preventing adversaries from attaining their objectives.”

Download at www.doctrine.af.mil.

TacJobs – Program Officer Acquisition with Project Manager Electronic Warfare and Cyber

Tuesday, December 5th, 2023

Project Manager Electronic Warfare and Cyber (PM EW&C) has a job opportunity announcement open on USAJobs for a Program Manager (Program Officer Acquisition), NH-0340-04. This position serves as the Associate Director for the DoD Ground Based CREW Single Manager Program Office at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. This opportunity is open to the public to apply through end of day 05 December 2023.

For additional information and to apply, visit lnkd.in/gqVguzx2.

We just got this, sorry for the short fuse.

Research Consortium Led by Finland-based VTT and Lockheed Martin Will Develop Signals Intelligence Technologies Benefiting the Global Defence Industry

Tuesday, November 28th, 2023

The aim of the cooperation project is to develop methods and technologies for radar and communication signal detection and classification on a modern battlefield, filled with emitters with low-probability of interception and detection signals. The framework agreement, signed on November 21, initiates long-term cooperation between Lockheed Martin, the Finnish research community, and the Finnish industry, creating relationships that benefit all parties. The agreement is connected to Finland’s procurement of the F-35 fighter jets.

ESPOO, Finland (November 22, 2023) Research consortium led by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Lockheed Martin have finalised a frame agreement for indirect industrial cooperation. Other members of the consortium are defence and technology company Patria, Harp Technologies, a Finnish SME active in space, defence, and remote sensing technologies, and two leading, innovative Finnish universities: Aalto University and the University of Tampere.

Finland is a leading nation of digital technologies. The state-owned VTT, founded more than 80 years ago during World War II to develop the most advanced technologies and products in the world, has previously developed ground-breaking satellite signal technology for the European Space Agency ESA, resulting in the world’s first 75 GHz signals that could ease clutter on the radio waves in the future.

“The purpose of the project is to combine the expertise and technological strengths of different parties, creating highly developed solutions and advanced new expertise that can be applied to the needs of the international defence industry, and to the products of next-generation electronic reconnaissance,” says Sauli Eloranta, Director of Safe and Connected Society Research Area at VTT.

For Finland, the project will also help strengthen the security of supply concerning the country’s own technological expertise and talent. The project will, e.g., help draw new students to study and work with the subject of digital defence technologies, creating a pathway for the new professionals to join both national and international defence industry companies over time.

Through indirect industrial cooperation initiatives, Lockheed Martin will build and benefit from industry partnerships with Finnish companies, universities and colleges, offering opportunities and new avenues to develop and strengthen the cooperation far into the future.

“The cooperation is a significant step for VTT and Finland at large. We are very keen on assessing additional future cooperation opportunities with Lockheed Martin. The technology cooperation offers us an opportunity to continue to develop our strong expertise in defence technologies and to increase cooperation with other defence industry actors,” concludes Eloranta.

The project is expected to last three years. Lockheed Martin and VTT are also looking to sign another framework agreement for a second project focusing on millimeter-wave passive imaging radiometer development during 2023, with the work aiming to start in 2024.

Allen-Vanguard Announces the Production of Its 500th SCORPION Manpack ECM System

Tuesday, November 21st, 2023

Allen-Vanguard, a global leader in providing customized solutions for defeating Radio Frequency (RF) based terrorist and extremist threats, has announced the production of its 500th SCOPRION manpack ECM system.

Allen-Vanguard started producing the latest generation of the SCORPION manpack ECM system in 2019. It is the current in a long line of manportable systems from the company going back almost 2 decades. It is perfect for more mobile ECM applications such as protection for troops deployed on the ground or for specialist EOD teams to provide local protection for an operator approaching a suspect device. Most recently it has been effectively deployed in a CUAS role. It is a highly versatile and lightweight man-portable system that capitalizes on a wealth of operational feedback and Allen- Vanguard’s extensive experience in providing highly effective ECM protection from Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) and the growing prominence of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles/Systems (UAV/UAS) aka Drones.

SCORPION is deployed protecting troops, NGOs and other government agencies in every continent worldwide. With its flexible, modular architecture and wide range of power options, antenna configurations and carriage systems it is suitable for a myriad of protection tasks. It delivers a hybrid, full spectrum system with extensive threat band coverage which means it has superior usability, combined with advanced technologies, makes SCORPION the most powerful response to present and future RCIED & Drone threats.

The threat from RCIEDs and UAVs remains extremely high in many historic conflict regions and in new conflicts zones emerging on multiple continents. This combined with the ever-evolving nature of both conventional and asymmetric warfare, means that Allen-Vanguard places a significant focus on research and development to ensure their customers receive the best possible protection. The Allen-Vanguard Threat Management Team (TMT) work tirelessly analysing new waveforms captured by operational systems to update and optimize algorithms specific for each user’s needs and to combat threats specific to the region of operations. In parallel, the development team are working incredibly hard on the next generation of Allen-Vanguard systems which includes their Remote Radio Head, EQUINOX NG-X, and SCORPION-NG. Each of these systems will be the cornerstone capability of their major programmes for man-portable, vehicle and advanced future vehicle capabilities for years to come.

Bobby Strawbridge, Director Business Development for Allen-Vanguard said “I am delighted that we have reached this significant milestone for SCORPION. It is the ultimate versatile ECM protection, packed with all our years of experience and expertise in defeating the RF threat in a manpack form to maximise its flexibility and utility. Whether in a dismounted role, on EOD operations or vehicle mounted for patrol protection or even at a static location countering radio controlled IEDs or nefarious drones, SCORPION is helping to protect those who face the greatest danger all over the world.”

German PEGASUS SIGINT System Picks Up Speed

Thursday, November 16th, 2023

Sensor solution provider HENSOLDT receives green light for system design

Taufkirchen/Germany, 16 November 2023 – The PEGASUS signal intelligence (SIGINT) system is now entering the implementation phase with the design developed by sensor solution provider HENSOLDT. The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has approved one of the most important project milestones – the so-called Critical Design Review (CDR) – and thus given the green light for the implementation of the system design.

In the CDR, representatives of the Bundeswehr, both from the public customer and the future user, examined the design of the SIGINT components of the PEGASUS weapon system. In a large number of individual presentations, the customer was given a detailed presentation of the implementation planning for its extensive requirements. At the same time, the progress of the overall project was communicated in various software and hardware demonstrations.

Subsequently, the subcontractor Lufthansa Technik, Hamburg, gave an impressive presentation on the planned integration of the resulting reconnaissance system into the aircraft and the associated conversion measures.

Jürgen Halder, Vice President Airborne SIGINT at HENSOLDT, said: “The close cooperation between the Bundeswehr and HENSOLDT since the beginning of the project activities guaranteed that the presented design was widely accepted. The underlying reconnaissance solution “KALAETRON Integral” offers a globally unique, high-performance reconnaissance capability based on powerful German key technology.”

Two years ago, HENSOLDT was awarded the contract to supply an airborne system for electronic signals intelligence on board Bombardier business jets based on its SIGINT system “Kalætron Integral”. The order is worth over one billion euros. HENSOLDT is acting as general contractor and bears overall responsibility for the realisation of the project. Lufthansa Technik, based in Hamburg, will act as a subcontractor, procuring the aircraft from the manufacturer Bombardier, including their modification, as well as fitting and integrating the reconnaissance system developed by HENSOLDT into the aircraft. In total, almost 30 companies, including many SMEs, from all over Germany are involved in the project as suppliers and partners.

ARDRONIS Locate Compact Fully SAPIENT Compliant

Monday, November 6th, 2023

Rohde & Schwarz successfully prove ARDRONIS Locate Compact fully compliant with new SAPIENT standard protocol for use in counter UAS missions, as part of NATO Technical Interoperability Exercise.

Munich, October 2023 — Rohde & Schwarz has proven its new ARDRONIS Locate Compact system for use in counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) missions. Integrated through the new SAPIENT standard protocol and tested at the NATO Technical Interoperability Exercise (TIE) event at Vredepeel in the Netherlands, the solution automatically detects and identifies drones based on their broadband video radio signals.

The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) organized exercise C-UAS TIE 23 that brought together civilian and military specialists, as well as over 60 industry participants. This exercise tested counter-drone technologies to make sure different systems could communicate and work together instantly.

Rohde & Schwarz is committed to supporting the standardization system of NATO and is SAPIENT compliant. The company is working to simplify the integration of its system into larger systems. The SAPIENT protocol allows data from sensors, effectors, and cyber to be converted into a common language and shared across networks supporting the CUAV mission.

Anne Stephan, Vice President Critical Infrastructure & Network, Rohde & Schwarz, said, “We are excited to launch ARDRONIS Locate Compact in November. We are committed to advancing and testing the SAPIENT interface and supporting the standardization system of NATO. Our goal is to simplify the integration of our system into larger systems.”

ARDRONIS Locate Compact from Rohde & Schwarz is designed to be cost-effective and can be used to monitor large areas that require a greater number of antennas and radio direction finders. It is suitable for fixed installations such as airports, large industrial or military facilities, as well as for semi-transportable systems that can be set up and operated by a single person for short-term area surveillance, such as protecting political VIPs during public appearances or military positions.

Army Announces Terrestrial Layer System – Brigade Combat Team (TLS BCT) Manpack Prototype OTA Agreement

Wednesday, September 20th, 2023

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD – After more than six months of competitive white papers and technical evaluations for the Terrestrial Layer System – Brigade Combat Team (TLS BCT) Manpack, the U.S. Army entered into an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement through the Consortium for Command, Control, and Communications in Cyberspace (C5) with Mastodon Design, LLC to support Phase 1 – Prototype Build and Demonstration. The agreement totals $1,521,490 for a 9-month Period of Performance.

The TLS BCT Manpack system will be a tailorable, modular, terrestrial capability that allows the integration of Signals Intelligence and Electromagnetic Warfare collection, processing, exploitation, reporting, and effects capabilities for SIGINT Collection Team and Electromagnetic Warfare Team elements. TLS BCT Manpack will provide the Brigade Combat Team commander a tactical advantage with agility and improved intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting in Multi-Domain Operations.

“The TLS BCT Manpack compliments the TLS BCT and TLS Echelons Above Brigade (TLS EAB) family of systems with a shared and open systems approach that creates the flexibility and efficiencies needed against a highly adaptive threat,” said Kenneth Strayer, Project Manager, Electronic Warfare and Cyber (PM EW&C). PM EW&C plans to transition the TLS BCT Manpack from prototyping to production in FY2024.