Accelerating Electromagnetic Conflict Velocity in the U.S.
Accelerating Electromagnetic Warfare Advancements Discussed at AFA Warfare Symposium
AURORA, Colo. - Defense industry executives specializing in electromagnetic warfare (EW) gathered on March 4, emphasizing the significance of universal standards for swiftly advancing the United States' capabilities in this often-misunderstood area.
During a conversation led by Col. Nicole M. Petrucci, commander of Mission Delta 3, at the AFA Warfare Symposium, industry representatives discussed potential means of accelerating EW capabilities given the renewed emphasis on competition and speed.
Electromagnetic warfare involves employing the electromagnetic spectrum in various ways, such as interfering with communication signals (jamming) or sending fake communications (spoofing). The 4th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron under Petrucci's command uses a transportable Counter Communications System (CCS), which reversibly denies adversary satellite communications.
Panel members offered numerous suggestions for speeding up progress, including adhesion to a set of universal standards, collaboration on contract requirements, and incorporating more commercial products into weapon systems.
Amanda Whites, senior director of strategic captures at Parry Labs, attributed the work of the Open Architecture Collaborative Working Group for creating the Universal Command and Control Interface (UCI), a common set of standards that streamlines the integrations of different system components.
"Adhering to the standards, understanding them, and enforcing them is the key to speed," Whites stated, noting that a harmonious "kill web" is slowly coming together.
Col. Petrucci stated that the Space Force is eager to deploy these systems as quickly as possible, given the increasing threats predicted in the 2024 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community.
Patrick Creighton, electronic warfare vice president and general manager at Harris Technologies, advocated for shifting away from "very unique bespoke requirements" when developing systems and instead emphasizing the use of commercial off-the-shelf technologies.
As one of the newly formed Mission Delta units, Petrucci's command unites aspects of acquisitions, operations, intelligence, and cyber under one unit to expedite upgrades and strengthen outcomes. Industry leaders stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and industry for achieving speed and efficiency.
By implementing universal standards, these leaders aim to ensure interoperability, facilitate digital warfare and AI integration, reduce maintenance complexities, and enable international collaboration, ultimately maintaining a tactical edge in contested electromagnetic environments.
- The defense industry executives discussed potential means of accelerating electromagnetic warfare (EW) capabilities by adhering to a set of universal standards.
- The 4th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron uses a transportable Counter Communications System (CCS) to deny adversary satellite communications, emphasizing the importance of swift advancements in EW.
- Amanda Whites, senior director of strategic captures at Parry Labs, credits the Open Architecture Collaborative Working Group for creating the Universal Command and Control Interface (UCI), a common set of standards that streamlines integrations of different system components.
- Col. Petrucci stated that the Space Force is eager to deploy these systems as quickly as possible, given the increasing threats predicted in the 2024 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community.
- Patrick Creighton, electronic warfare vice president and general manager at Harris Technologies, suggests shifting away from bespoke requirements when developing systems and instead emphasizing the use of commercial off-the-shelf technologies.
- By implementing universal standards, these leaders aim to ensure interoperability, facilitate digital warfare and AI integration, reduce maintenance complexities, and enable international collaboration, ultimately maintaining a tactical edge in contested electromagnetic environments.
- Industry leaders stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and industry for achieving speed and efficiency in the aerospace and defense (ASD) sector, which requires substantial investment and wealth-management for long-term personal-finance goals, given the rapid technological advancements in the space warfare industry.
