U.S Army To Enable Warfighters With Electronic Warfare Capabilities

Soldiers will soon have the capability to “plan, synchronize, and integrate EW into the battle rhythm” if the U.S Army has its way.

Using the Integrated Electronic Warfare System, a system of systems which is comprised of the Electronic Warfare Planning and Management Tool (EWPMT), Multi Function Electronic Warfare (MFEW) systems and Defensive Electronic Attack (DEA) capabilities, the army will no longer have to “rely on programs such as spreadsheets and slides or other chat-oriented systems to plan for EW. Now that the Army has received the funding to create EWPMT, Soldiers will have the benefit of a more streamlined approach planning for EW,” said U.S Army Chief of HQDA Electronic Warfare Division, COL Jim Ekvall in an interview with Defenseworld.net.

“IEWS will play an integral role into the long-term plans that will allow maneuver commanders to gain and maintain and advantage in the electromagnetic spectrum,” he explains.

Over the next six year, EWPMT will be developed into six different capability drops where various capability milestones will be met. By 3Q FY15, two capabilities drops will be completed. In the last quarter of FY19, EWPMT will be fully-operational with all six drops completed, according to COL Ekvall.

Primary contractor Sotera Defense will design the software to jam enemy communications, remotely controlled explosives and radar systems in a contract estimated to be worth $97 million. Another goal will be for the software to interpret digital information and provide soldiers with a visual representation of battlefields for planning engagement strategies.

Sotera aims to make software that detects and blocks potential radio frequency threats that seek to damage defense mechanisms of the U.S. and its allies. The company will also aim for the software to interpret digital information and provide warfighters a visual representation of battlefields for planning engagement strategies, according to reports.

“The Army wants to provide the warfighter with a means to gain and maintain an advantage in the electromagnetic spectrum. Tools such as the Integrated Electronic Warfare System (IEWS) which EWPMT is a part of will allow EWOs an easier way to plan and integrate EW missions,” explains COL Ekvall. “EWPMT will have 22 separate and distinct functions which will allow the war fighter to deconflict offensive and defensive signals.”