Electronic Warfare Agile Development

The Electronic Warfare Agile Development program (PE 0609277A) is an Army Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative designed to accelerate the innovation and deployment of advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities. As part of the Department of Defense's Capability Based (Agile) Funding pilot, this program aims to keep pace with rapidly evolving threats in the electromagnetic spectrum by integrating new technologies and enhancing both tactical and strategic EW/SIGINT systems. The program supports Army modernization priorities, including Long Range Precision Fires, Network, and Soldier Lethality. It is structured to address capability gaps identified in operational needs statements and presidential directives.

A81: TLS Echelon Above Brigade (EAB) is the largest component of the program. Its goal is to develop and prototype a family of systems that provide integrated, distributed SIGINT and EW cyber-enabled capabilities to Army Divisions, Corps, and Multi-Domain Task Forces. TLS EAB enhances force protection, situational awareness, and information superiority by delivering indications and warnings, improving targeting, and enabling electronic attack and offensive cyber operations. The program uses a modular, open-systems approach to ensure scalability and interoperability. It leverages rapid prototyping and experimentation to accelerate fielding of advanced capabilities against near-peer threats.

A82: Terrestrial Layer System (TLS) focuses on the development and integration of modular, manpack SIGINT/EW systems for Army maneuver forces. The TLS Manpack is designed for flexible deployment on various vehicle platforms, supporting collection, processing, exploitation, and reporting of electromagnetic spectrum data. Key objectives include platform integration, system accreditation to higher classification levels, and enhanced interoperability with other EW mission command systems. The program also funds rapid reprogramming capabilities to counter evolving enemy signals, ensuring the TLS remains relevant in contested environments.

A83: Electronic Warfare Technology Maturation is dedicated to the transition, maturation, and risk reduction of emerging EW and SIGINT technologies. This line item supports prototyping and integration of advanced RF sensors, effectors, and cyber-enabled components, with a focus on leveraging innovations from Army labs, other government agencies, industry, and academia. The objective is to accelerate the transition of critical technologies such as AI/ML, disposable and high-altitude payloads, and advanced sensing into operational systems to address rapidly changing threats and operational requirements.

A84: Theater SIGINT System (TSIGS) supports the sustainment and enhancement of strategic SIGINT capabilities for Army Service Component Commands and Combatant Commands. TSIGS includes persistent, mobile, and portable subsystems that deliver timely, predictive intelligence for force protection and operational planning. The focus is on continuous software sustainment, cybersecurity updates, and engineering support to maintain operational readiness and interoperability with Intelligence Community collection priorities. The program ensures that TSIGS remains effective against peer and near-peer threats through a modular, open-systems approach.

A85: EW-SIGINT Technology-Innovation Pipeline is designed to maintain the operational relevancy of fielded SIGINT and EW systems. This line item supports the integration and testing of new capabilities to address evolving signal threats, including next-generation component engineering, signal of interest updates, and Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) payload development for high-altitude unmanned systems. The pipeline enables rapid insertion of both hardware and software upgrades, supports data transfer and networking improvements, and ensures that legacy and new systems can adapt to emerging operational needs.