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U.S. Strategic Command’s Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Center has unveiled ETHEREAL FORGE, an effort aimed at speeding the delivery of advanced electromagnetic warfare tools and improving performance across the electromagnetic spectrum. The initiative centers on rapid, iterative testing and evaluation of software-driven systems to meet operational needs.
Funded by Congress, the project emphasizes systems aligned with the Modular Open Systems Approach, promoting interoperability so components from multiple vendors can be integrated and upgraded more quickly and cost-effectively.
“The electromagnetic spectrum is critical maneuver space, not a warfighting domain; it is the connective tissue that binds together every other domain,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. AnnMarie Anthony, the JEC director. “ETHEREAL FORGE creates a structured, funded mechanism to test innovative solutions to complex EMS challenges and provide acquisition decision-makers with the operationally informed data that they need to move quickly.”
Program leaders describe an environment designed to accelerate the maturation and fielding of software-centric electronic warfare capabilities, cutting time to deployment. A standardized infrastructure is intended to support a modular ecosystem where best-of-breed applications can be integrated, enabling operators to tailor electromagnetic spectrum operations to specific missions.
“As it stands today, existing EW capabilities and platforms are aging,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Duc Bui, the project manager for ETHEREAL FORGE. “This puts increased risk to the Joint Force and U.S. allies and partners.”
“ETHEREAL FORGE is a paradigm shift in how we field the capabilities that we need to fight and win in the modern operational environment,” he said. “That is denying the adversary while simultaneously providing our force access to the EMS.”
With competitors advancing their technologies, officials note the electromagnetic spectrum is becoming more contested, and the initiative is intended to help preserve a decisive edge for the Joint Force.
“Every warfighting domain depends on the electromagnetic spectrum,” Anthony said. “ETHEREAL FORGE is how the JEC will ensure the Combined Joint Force that we own it.”
The JEC is seeking advanced, non-fielded, MOSA-aligned electronic warfare capabilities that meet specific selection criteria. Interested parties can contact [email protected].
