US Army deploys new electromagnetic spectrum system to enhance battlefield awareness

The US Army is rolling out the Terrestrial Layer System-Brigade Combat Team Manpack (TLS BCT), a new tool that allows soldiers to visualize both their forces and enemy activities in the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS).

The system is initially being deployed to three "Transformation in Contact" brigades: the 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii; the 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum; and the 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Over the next three years, the Army plans to field the TLS BCT to every brigade combat unit, aiming to deploy up to two units per month.

The TLS BCT is a compact, configurable radio system that can survey radio frequencies, detect electromagnetic attacks, and visualize EMS data. It also combines signals intelligence and electronic warfare capabilities, providing soldiers the ability to both understand and influence the EMS environment.

Developed under a nearly $100 million contract with Mastodon Design, the system is already being tested by select brigades during training rotations. Feedback from these tests will help refine the equipment before it is fielded more broadly across the Army.

By Vafa Guliyeva