In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, host Ken Miller dives into the world of cutting-edge electronic warfare (EW) with Captain David Rueter, Program Manager for Airborne Electronic Attack Systems at the U.S. Navy’s PMA-234. From game-changing advancements to the challenges that keep him awake at night, Capt. Rueter offers an insider’s look into the Navy’s most critical EW initiatives.

Capt. Rueter walks Ken through key programs shaping the future of airborne electronic attack, including the Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) mid- and low-band systems, the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, and the Intrepid Tiger ALQ-231. While the Navy has been at the forefront of countering emerging threats, Capt. Rueter reveals a lingering concern: the readiness of the legacy ALQ-99 system, which dates back to the 1970s and remains a critical yet challenging component of the Navy's EW arsenal.

Despite these hurdles, Capt. Rueter highlights significant progress, noting the rollout of the NGJ mid-band system in 2023 and L3Harris’s recent contract to advance the NGJ low-band system. As threats evolve, he emphasizes how vital these advancements are for maintaining the Navy’s edge in the electromagnetic battlespace.

Tune in for an enlightening discussion that pulls back the curtain on the Navy’s relentless push to stay ahead in the ever-shifting realm of EW.

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