Electronic Warfare / Electronic Protection

ENHANCING THE ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM AS A MILITARY DOMAIN

 

CHALLENGE:

The U.S. faces a rise in the global availability of high performance electronic component technologies. In recent years, this availability has enabled adversaries to significantly advance their capabilities for operating across the Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS). The proliferation of wireless communications and sensing systems is also causing the spectrum to become increasingly congested. However, the increasing capabilities of microelectronics, both for digital processing and analog devices, means that these challenges can be met with more sophisticated engineered solutions.

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ASD(R&E) FOCUS:

Existing electronic warfare (EW) systems are not well-integrated within local infrastructure or across multiple systems. To advance our EW dominance, the U.S. must:

1. broaden both the spatial and spectral parameters in which we operate;
2. create integrated, network-enabled EW systems that are both modular and software-driven; and
3. increase emphasis on Electronic Protection measures.

These objectives are necessary in order to allow us to:

• stay ahead of our adversaries,
• assure rapid insertion of new technologies,
• enhance our tactical picture,
• enable more efficient and coordinated action,
• maximize the combat effects of our resources,
• protect our large capital investment in C4ISR from adversary denial, and
• allow uninterrupted operation in the increasingly dense EM environment.