It's been a great week of discussion, ideas and concepts at AOC 2024. The symposium sessions have addressed important EMSO developments that have been incubating for years, such as EMBM, "truly rapid" EW reprogramming, JADC2 and more. My sense is that we're making progress across a whole range of EMSO-related areas. But at the same time, a big question is, are we moving fast enough and aiming far enough to meet today's and tomorrow's EMSO challenges, especially in the context of Great Power Competition.

Today, we'll begin with a keynote from Major General Elisabeth Michelsen, Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, NATO Joint Force Command Norfolk.

The morning Breakout Sessions will generate discussion about "moving faster" in EMSO, with two topics: "The Impact and Influence of AI in EW" (9:45 AM in Potomac A) and EW Test and Evaluation (9:45 AM in Potomac B). The afternoon breakout session will focus on "R&D/How to Move Faster in EW Development" (1:00 PM in Potomac A).

The symposium will wrap up with a Closing Spotlight Session about "EMSO Within Current Conflicts and Hotspots" (2:45 PM on the Main Stage). The speakers in this session include Lord Stuart Peach, Air Chief Marshal, RAF; General Michelsen; and Colonel Ivan Pavlenko, Senior EW Officer and Chief EW and Cyber Directorate, Armed Forces of Ukraine. This session is sure to provide a range of perspectives about the pressing EMSO challenges we face today. – J. Knowles

Gen Thomas Bussiere, Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command and Commander, Air Forces Strategic - Air at USSTRATCOM, provided the first of two keynotes on Thursday morning, during which he provided his perspective on EMSO within the command. He provided an historical perspective, describing his experience in the Air Force beginning in the late 1980s and its focus on EW and the high-end threat at the end of the Cold War. He then explained the more permissive threat environments in the Global War on Terror and then described the present challenge of Great Power Competition. "Would anybody here – I'm guessing no – would anyone say that we are not challenged in the electromagnetic spectrum?" he asked the audience.

Responding to questions from AOC President Brian Hinkley, General Bussiere addressed his command's bomber modernization efforts. He said, "We celebrated the first flight of the B-52A model 72 years ago – 72 years ago. We're going to put new motors, new radar, new avionics on that platform and fly it for another 30 years. Think about that. And then we're going to fly the newest airplane, the B-21 Raider, and partner between stand-in and stand-off, whether it's the B-52J … or the B-21, both of those platforms … are going to take advantage of optimizing their capabilities through the electromagnetic spectrum. One's going to be very exquisite, one's going to be more old school. But both are required."

General Bussiere went on to explain the relationship between these capabilities and the development of new operational concepts and the demand signals they create. "There's capability and capacity that both industry and the Air Force are developing that transcend the bomber force that will give us advantages against the threats that we're seeing today. That's specific to electronic warfare, but, as you all know better than most, EMSO requirements transcend military operations. So it's not just the platform that we're concerned about. When we transition from the B-52H to the -J model or the B-1 and B-2 to the B-21, we're embedding that now into the way we develop operational concepts. We're embedding that in the way we develop our demand signals to industry. And probably one area that we need to work on is to develop a capability and capacity to create a demand signal in academics and our labs, as well as our partnerships with allies and partners, to make sure that we all understand our different capabilities and capacities when we're tasked to do operations. It's absolutely foundational and essential to a bomber force.

General Bussiere also discussed the importance of developing more EMSO understanding across his command, as well as the Air Force and the wider DOD. "The preponderance of the [current] force didn't experience, the 80s and the 90s and the transition," he explained. "Really their center of gravity for experience was operating in a combat zone that was somewhat permissive, and they didn't have to necessarily be challenged with all the things that we're seeing today in the threat environment in all domains. But the good news is that there's a realization that the way we operated in the last two decades is not the way we need to operate in the future. And indications to me that we're getting [EW] right is the department's organizational construct. So developing the organizational framework, developing the policy hooks, and then it's incumbent upon the services, all our services, to develop capability and capacity to meet those needs that were identified at the JROC in years past. But that's only a piece of it, right? It's not just developing the capabilities. It's developing the human weapon system that understands how to operate and employ those capabilities that the services will be developing and fielding. And then it's the ability to bring them together in a joint coalition manner to be able to be effective in a time of crisis. With that part, I would say we've recognized the need. The demand signals are there, but the services need to embed the EMSO capabilities not only in new weapon systems, but be able to account for our legacy weapon systems. We don't get the choice on when potential conflict will surface, but we do get to determine how we're going to be prepared for that time. And I'm confident that the leaders in the Department of Defense and the different branches understand the challenges in these domains. The real test of time and what we'll be judged on is how we prepare for that."

The second keynote of the morning was delivered by VADM Craig Clapperton, who wears multiple hats as Commander of US Fleet Cyber Command, Navy Cryptologic Command, Navy Space Command, US TENTH Fleet and Joint Force Headquarters Cyber (Navy). He spoke about the challenges that his commands have been asked to do, and, having spent much of his career in EA-6B Prowlers and EA-18G Growlers, he provided an insightful EMSO perspective in his remarks.

Admiral Clapperton began by describing the CNO's 2024 Navigation Plan. He said, "Admiral Franchetti has pushed out her [Project 33], her NAV plan, and she talks about seven targets. She talks about five key capabilities and four enabling activities. And when you look through those targets and the things that the CNO has asked us to do, right at the very top are things like fight from the MOC and [develop] more combat-effective forces. She talks about the criticality of C5ISRT to counter adversary overhead systems. She talks about targets that require more remote and automated access, thus enabling and requiring artificial intelligence. And she talks about the need for long-range fires, which requires battle space and space domain awareness and over the horizon targeting capabilities. All of those require mastery of the electromagnetic spectrum, both from our side, while preventing the adversary from using it on their side."

He also explained, "In my cyber hat, I'm also the regional Cyber coordinating authority for two critical combatant commands. First USINDOPACOM and also USSOUTHCOM. And I can tell you that Admiral Paparo and Admiral Halsey require battle space awareness, space domain awareness. They want to fight in a distributed and networked architecture that requires assured C2 secure NC3 systems and the integration, the inextricable integration of non-kinetic effects with traditional and kinetic maneuver different in many ways than other services that in that Indo Pacific fight they are dependent upon one another."

He added, "There is no success without the perfectly synchronized – down to the hours, minutes and seconds – integration of information warfare and non-kinetic effects with that dynamic force maneuver, emissions control and deception. You cannot do that without mastery of the electromagnetic spectrum."

Admiral Clapperton said the main capabilities his commands focus on delivering are assured C2, battlespace awareness that provides over-the-horizon targeting and long-range precision fires, and the integration of non-kinetic effects. He said, "Those are the three warfighting capabilities that my team provides to the rest of the joint and combined team. And I would argue that if we fail, [the warfighter] will fail. And if we cannot use the electromagnetic spectrum how we want and deny the adversary the same, we will fail."

He discussed the Navy's development of resilient C2 and targeting networks in greater detail and then returned to integrated effects. "There is no one magic cyber effect. There is no one electronic warfare effect. There is no one space effect. There's no amount of deception or maneuver that in and of itself will enable that. It all has to be integrated seamlessly. Yes, that requires high power computing. Yes, it requires advanced encryption in artificial intelligence. But the data doesn't move and get from one place to another without the EMS. And if we don't understand how we're using it and how [adversaries are] potentially exploiting our signatures and how we're using it, again, we lose."

After describing the stakes and spelling out the EMSO risks the Navy faces, Admiral Clapper finished on a positive note, focusing the innovation that his commands are pursuing to develop solutions and capabilities, such as resilient C2 networks with well defined data standards, to meet these challenges.

Review the online schedule of events and symposium agenda to finalize your on-site agenda.
Check out the floorplan and search for an exhibitor and make plans to visit the companies you wish to connect with.

Get out your smartphone and download the conference app from the App Store or Google Play. Follow us on Facebook, X or LinkedIn and use #AOC2024 to join in the conversation.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – Friday, Dec. 13

This week's symposium is tackling some of the biggest issues in the EMSO community, and we have an excellent line-up of keynote speakers to help set the stage for these conversations. Come early, grab a cup of coffee and settle in for some valuable perspectives from senior military leaders.

Today at 8:00 AM, Major General Elisabeth G. Michelsen, Norwegian Armed Forces, who is serving as Deputy Chief of Staff Operations at NATO Joint Force Command Norfolk, will discuss EMSO from an Alliance perspective.

More details, including descriptions of all symposium spotlight and breakout sessions, program manager briefings and technical briefings are available in the full agenda.

	Paul Kennedy

Each year, AOC recognizes five young professionals as the year’s "Future 5" – individuals who actively innovate and strive for excellence as they support their respective organizations and build their EMSO careers. In each issue of the Show Daily, we will spotlight one of this year's Future 5 and their career goal in their own words.

Today, we recognize Paul Kennedy, Section Supervisor, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.

When I look back on my career, I hope to say that I helped our warfighters. That I made a difference. To realize this ultimate goal, I aspire to make critical contributions as a leader and defining innovations as a technical contributor. 

One of the most rewarding experiences in my professional journey has been my time as a section supervisor. As a line manager, I get to participate in the career journeys of my staff, help shape their development, coach them on how to execute their innovative ideas, and celebrate their success. Our warfighters face big challenges in the EMS, and the only way to solve these challenges is as a team. In my role as a leader, creating a culture of innovation and collaboration is paramount for achieving mission impact.

As a technical contributor, my growth is driven by my curiosity and love of learning. Being part of the rapidly evolving field of EW is intellectually fulfilling and offers many opportunities for creative problem solving. Intellectual growth has been a major reason for my involvement in the AOC – learning through conferences, local Roost tech talks, or the latest edition of JED. Synthesizing information across technical silos is essential for creating truly innovative solutions. As I learn more across various specialties within EW, I aspire to use this knowledge to form unique solutions that help our warfighters.

Ultimately, I aim to use my career to serve my family, my nation, and the warfighters that protect them.

Need more information about dress code, sessions locations, Wi-Fi access or even where you can find coffee in the morning? Check out the 2024 AOC Convention's FAQ page to find answers.

Official Exhibit Hall hours during the 2024 AOC Convention are as follows:

Today
9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Join us in the Exhibit Hall for lunch (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM).

JED: You joined ARA as CEO in 2014. How has your previous experience at SIGINT system developers helped influenced your strategic vision for ARA over the past decade?

Thiran: My previous experience in SIGINT/EW primarily focused on all but the antenna front-end of the C5ISR subsystem. When I joined ARA, it was apparent that ARA had a broad customer base, great reputation, engineering, and manufacturing know-how of RF front-end antenna subsystems. It was also obvious to us that the RF front-end expertise is a clear differentiator in any C5ISR system. The approach we took was to develop a capability to transform the business into a strong C5ISR subsystems business building on the RF platform know-how. With this integrated approach, ARA stands out in its weight class in our industry, and we are excited to continue to build ARA into a solutions business.

JED: There are a lot of antenna companies in the EW and SIGINT space. What makes ARA unique?

Thiran: ARA’s culture of agility and willingness to adapt to a rapidly evolving market. We offer the best of both worlds: large company capability with a small company culture. And we are proud of our industry leading technologists, as well as the rest of our talented workforce.

JED: What types of investments has ARA made in people and technology to begin expanding ARA's capabilities from being a designer and manufacturer of passive antennas to becoming an AESA technology developer and manufacturer?

Thiran: ARA has a robust IRAD program that develops fundamental capabilities that can be applied more broadly. For example, we have invested in developing multiband AESA technologies, as well as additive manufacturing for unique antenna system and signature management applications.
We also continue to invest in maintaining our robust EW antenna line of business and serve customers with SIGINT and EW antennas worldwide. Our lead times are far ahead of industry standards, and we are willing to build ahead of customers’ needs to meet mission requirements.
Both Government and non-government customers have also funded co-development of key capabilities applicable to the EW mission more broadly. We work with all departments and agencies within the DOD, including the Air Force, Army, Navy, and MDA.
ARA’s broad relationships across industry enable us to build a best-in-class team that can architect optimal customer solutions; thus, allowing us to punch above our weight, so to speak.
ARA also has a robust recruiting program sourcing talent directly from universities, government, and industry. Over the last year, we have increased our technical staff by double digits. We are always looking for new talent, specifically engineers and program managers.

JED: What are some of the important trends that you've seen in the EW and SIGINT market over the past decade, and how is ARA responding to some of those trends with its product offerings?

Thiran: Current global threats are demonstrating the increasing importance of SIGINT and EW to the warfighter. Because of this, EW opportunities and EW-focused investments remain central to ARA’s strategy. For SIGINT, wideband system sensitivity and low SWAP-C continue to be important to customers. For EW generally, capabilities for wider frequencies and higher power transmission. We are focusing on interoperability based on MOSA standards to provide a true common sensor architecture on various platforms.
And as we have seen recently, the need for attritable, low-cost solutions are critical to counter the proliferation of threats to the warfighter.
Our team is focused on building sustainable partnerships with customers to develop and deploy cost competitive, high-performance technologies.

JED: ARA was recently acquired by private equity firm OceanSound Partners. How will this help drive ARA's strategy in serving its existing markets as well as pursuing new markets?

Thiran: OceanSound is an ideal partner for ARA’s next phase of growth. We were at an important inflection point in our company’s development, and OceanSound’s expertise in the A&D technology market will accelerate our strategic transformation. We’re focusing on making complementary investments and acquisitions of technology solutions, and plan to leverage their support to continue to scale through investments in ARA as we have successfully done in the past with the acquisitions of AQYR & Si2.

Read the December issue of JED, hot off the presses in time for the 2024 AOC Convention:

Cover Story: Peaking into Quantum Computing
Interview: Rich Sorelle, Spectrum Control
EW 101: Introduction to Emulation

Read the full issue now and read more each week at JEDOnline.com.

The Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED) is the official publication of the Association of Old Crows (AOC), an independent, nonprofit, international professional association promoting public understanding in the science and practice of EW, SIGINT and related disciplines. Become an AOC member to get access to the latest issue of JED.

Check out current issues and news from our media partners throughout the week.

JED
Armada
everythingRF
Military Embedded Systems September Resource Guide
Military Embedded Systems October
Seapower
SOSA Special Edition
Microwave Product Digest (MPD)
Microwave Journal