ELECTRONIC WARFARE

The Electronic Warfare (EW) line item (LI 1000I31000) in the Army's FY 2026 budget is focused on enhancing the Army's capabilities in the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) domain. The primary objective of this program is to procure, field, and sustain advanced tools and systems that enable Army forces to plan, manage, detect, interpret, and display EMS activity for both friendly and adversarial forces.

By investing in these capabilities, the Army aims to achieve spectrum dominance across Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), supporting both kinetic and non-kinetic targeting and improving the survivability and effectiveness of command posts and operational units.

Within this line item, two major components are funded: the Electronic Warfare Planning and Management Tool (EWPMT) and the Spectrum Situational Awareness System (S2AS). These programs are managed under the Agile Portfolio Management structure, which is designed to foster innovation and accelerate the deployment of promising technologies in response to rapidly evolving threats and technological advancements in the EMS domain.

The Electronic Warfare Planning and Management Tool (EWPMT) provides Army warfighters with the ability to visualize, plan, and manage EMS operations. Its goals include enabling commanders and EW specialists to coordinate electromagnetic operations, optimize spectrum use, and deconflict friendly and adversarial EMS activities. The tool supports mission planning, real-time spectrum monitoring, and integration with other command and control systems, ensuring that Army units can maintain operational advantage in contested spectrum environments.

The Spectrum Situational Awareness System (S2AS) is a new start within the EW program and is intended to provide commanders with real-time EMS situational awareness. The system integrates EW and spectrum utilization data into command post operations, supporting emission control (EMCON) planning and enhancing the ability to detect and mitigate electromagnetic interference (EMI), whether accidental or intentional. S2AS employs advanced spectrum sensing and analysis equipment, allowing for rapid detection of unauthorized or hostile EMS activity and enabling timely decision-making to protect Army assets and operations.

The justification for these investments is rooted in the increasing pace and complexity of technological change in the EMS domain, as well as the proliferation of advanced EW capabilities among potential adversaries. By equipping Army units with EWPMT and S2AS, the Army seeks to ensure that its forces are prepared to operate effectively in highly contested and dynamic spectrum environments. These capabilities are essential for maintaining communications, protecting critical systems, and supporting the commander's scheme of maneuver in both offensive and defensive operations.

Both EWPMT and S2AS are part of a broader Department of Defense initiative to modernize EMS operations through capability-based agile funding. This approach allows for rapid adaptation to emerging threats and the integration of new technologies as they become available. The procurement of these systems also includes comprehensive training and support packages to ensure that Army personnel are proficient in their use and able to maximize their operational impact.