United States Strategic Command’s Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Center (JEC) is launching Ethereal Forge, a new initiative designed to accelerate the deployment of advanced electromagnetic warfare (EW) capabilities and strengthen operational effectiveness in the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS). Through this effort, the JEC is conducting rapid, iterative testing and evaluation of software-centric systems to meet operational requirements.
Ethereal Forge supports the U.S. and its Allies maintain a technological edge by focusing on modular open systems approach (MOSA) compatible systems. MOSA is a “plug-and-play” design that allows the U.S. Department of War to upgrade systems quickly and more affordably by using compatible parts from multiple manufacturers.
“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.”
Ethereal Forge provides an operationally relevant environment to accelerate the maturation and fielding of software-centric EW capabilities, significantly reducing time-to-field. By establishing a standardized infrastructure, the initiative enables a modular ecosystem that integrates flexible, best-of-breed applications, allowing operators to efficiently tailor EMS operations system configurations to mission-specific requirements.
“As it stands today, existing EW capabilities and platforms are aging. “This puts increased risk to the Joint Force and U.S. Allies and partners,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Duc Bui, Ethereal Forge project manager. “Ethereal Forge is a paradigm shift in how we field the capabilities that we need to fight and win in the modern operational environment. That is denying the adversary while simultaneously providing our force access to the EMS.”
As competitors rapidly advance their own technologies, the EMS has become increasingly contested. The project will ultimately help ensure the Joint Force maintains a decisive advantage in this critical area.
“Every warfighting domain depends on the electromagnetic spectrum,” said Anthony, the JEC director. “Ethereal Forge is how the JEC will ensure the Combined Joint Force that we own it.”