The importance of electronic warfare capabilities and their miniaturization in modern warfare has been underscored by practical experiences, revealing that solely relying on powerful systems on mobile platforms is insufficient. In response, the Pentagon initiated a comprehensive 120-day field study in 2023 to delve into this critical aspect.
Although the details are shrouded in secrecy, some practical actions have come to light. The immediate focus has been on supplying wearable electronic warfare (EW) systems to the U.S. Army. Initially, these units will be dispatched to major army training bases before being distributed to each combat brigade within the ground forces for personnel training purposes.
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According to Defense One, the initial phase, projected to span six months, has been deemed a top priority by the Cyber Center of Excellence, a specialized branch within the army dedicated to training personnel and modernizing communication systems. The exact nature of the system being deployed remains undisclosed, but it is anticipated that a compact wearable system, designed to fit into a backpack, will be operated by a team of two soldiers.
It’s important to note that in English military terminology, electronic warfare and electronic reconnaissance are grouped under the umbrella term of electronic warfare. Consequently, the operators of these wearable systems will be tasked with spectrum analysis for threat identification and likely also involved in creating electronic barriers. Notably, the integration of EW assets within the U.S. Army is being carried out swiftly, with timelines aligned tightly with the army’s structured processes. Moreover, the mass production and deployment of these assets to brigades will occur concurrently with training and the incorporation of new capabilities at the infantry level.
Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that the rollout of these measures could have commenced earlier; however, this initiative is part of a new defense program for which funding was allocated in the 2024 American fiscal year, starting in October. The finalization of the Pentagon’s budget by U.S. lawmakers on March 23 marked a significant milestone in advancing these strategic defense efforts.
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