EW Planning & Management Tools (EWPMT)

The EW Planning & Management Tools (EWPMT) program is a key Army initiative under the Other Procurement, Army appropriation, specifically focused on Communications and Electronics Equipment for Electronic Warfare (EW). The primary goal of EWPMT is to modernize and enhance the Army's ability to plan, manage, and operate within the Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) across Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). This program centers on the development and procurement of advanced software tools, including modernization efforts that update the existing EWPMT Version 1 to a more agile and capable software architecture. The justification for this investment is rooted in the need to maintain spectrum dominance, improve situational awareness, and support both kinetic and non-kinetic targeting for commanders.

The software modernization leverages community contributions and a government-supported framework to deliver enhanced capabilities and features. The objective is to enable rapid adaptation to evolving EW requirements, ensuring that the Army can respond effectively to technological changes and emerging threats. At its end state, this modernization will provide spectrum visualization and modeling, sensor orchestration, intelligence fusion, and command and control (C2) functions. These capabilities are designed to support the commander's scheme of maneuver, prevent electronic fratricide, and shape the electronic operating environment, thereby increasing the survivability of command posts and operational units.

The Spectrum Situational Awareness System (S2AS) is another critical component funded under this line item. S2AS is dedicated to providing real-time EMS situational awareness to commanders, supporting decisions related to Emissions Control (EMCON), Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) resolution, and detection or warning of unauthorized or intentional sources of interference. The system employs sophisticated hardware and software to enhance the Army's resilience against adversarial threats and to address current and future EMS challenges.

S2AS supports key Army modernization initiatives by allowing commanders to sense and visualize their position within the EMS, which is essential for avoiding electronic fratricide and shaping the electronic operating environment. Operationally, S2AS enables commanders to assess their visibility to enemy fire chains and make informed decisions to mitigate risks. By providing comprehensive EMS situational awareness, S2AS contributes to the effectiveness of EW operations and enhances the Army's ability to secure and utilize the spectrum. The system is designed to be integrated into command posts and operational centers, offering real-time data and alerts to support mission-critical decisions in complex battlefield environments.

In FY 2026, funding for EWPMT was transferred from Budget Activity 2 to Budget Activity 6 in support of Agile Portfolio Management. This transfer aligns with the Department of Defense's Capability Based (Agile) Funding Pilot, which aims to improve the flexibility and responsiveness of defense investments in rapidly evolving technological domains. The funding is directed toward providing EW and EMS planning, monitoring, and management tools to address the limitations imposed by the pace and proliferation of technological change.

Both EWPMT and S2AS are integral to the Army's strategy for achieving spectrum dominance and operational superiority in the EMS. The programs equip and train warfighters with the necessary tools to detect, interpret, and display EMS activity by both friendly and hostile forces. By integrating advanced software and hardware solutions, these initiatives support the fusion of intelligence, sensor orchestration, and C2 functions, all of which are essential for effective EW operations in multi-domain environments.