Introduction
In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern warfare, the U.S. Army is under constant pressure to keep its forces equipped with the latest technology. signal jammerThe ability to disrupt enemy communications and conduct electronic warfare (EW) operations has become essential. cell phone jammerTo this end, the Army has turned to existing technologies developed by U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to accelerate the deployment of man-portable jammers like the Beast+ and Kraken systems. GPS jammerThis strategy not only saves time but also ensures that soldiers are equipped with battle-tested technology capable of meeting the demands of modern conflicts.
The Need for Portable Electronic Warfare Systems
The electromagnetic spectrum is a critical domain in modern warfare, where control over communications and information can determine the outcome of battles. Traditional electronic warfare systems, often mounted on vehicles, have been highly effective but are not always practical in every operational environment. In regions like the Pacific, where operations may involve navigating dense jungles or small island chains, the need for lightweight, portable systems that can be carried by individual soldiers becomes apparent.
The U.S. Army recognized this need and set out to develop a solution that could be easily integrated into infantry operations. The result was the Tactical Layered System-Brigade Combat Team (TLS-BCT), a versatile electronic warfare system designed to be both vehicle-mounted and man-portable. This dual capability ensures that soldiers can conduct electronic warfare operations even in the most challenging terrains.
The Beast+ and Kraken Systems: SOCOM’s Proven Solutions
The foundation of the TLS-BCT program lies in the Beast+ and Kraken systems, both of which have been developed and extensively tested by SOCOM. The Beast+ system is a compact, backpack-mounted unit that weighs approximately 20 pounds. Its modular design allows it to be broken down into handheld devices for tasks like signal direction finding, or to be augmented with electronic attack capabilities when necessary. The Kraken system, while similar in functionality, is more robust and can be mounted on vehicles. However, it is still portable enough to be carried in a backpack, making it a highly versatile tool for electronic warfare.
These systems have already proven their worth in special operations, providing SOCOM with the ability to conduct electronic warfare on the move. Their success in these missions made them an ideal candidate for broader use within the U.S. Army. By adopting these systems, the Army could leverage SOCOM’s experience and avoid the lengthy and expensive process of developing new systems from scratch.
Accelerating Deployment Through Existing Programs
One of the key advantages of adopting SOCOM’s Beast+ and Kraken systems is that they are already part of SOCOM’s recorded programs. This means that the systems have been thoroughly tested, certified, and are ready for production and deployment. For the Army, this significantly shortens the time needed to get these systems into the hands of soldiers.
According to Todd Probert, President of CACI National Security and Innovative Solutions, the most challenging part of deploying new technology is certifying the hardware. This involves ensuring that the technology functions as intended and that it can be effectively used in real-world conditions. Factors such as how the equipment fits in soldiers’ hands, its weight, and how it integrates with other systems are all critical considerations.
By adopting systems that had already been validated by SOCOM, the Army was able to bypass many of these challenges. The systems had already proven themselves in operational environments, allowing the Army to focus on making minor modifications and software upgrades to meet its specific needs.
Customizing for Army Operations
While the Beast+ and Kraken systems were well-suited for special operations, the Army needed to ensure that they could be effectively used by a broader range of forces, including infantry units. This required some modifications to the systems to better align with the Army’s operational requirements.
