The company said military operations increasingly depend on controlling the electromagnetic spectrum before aircraft enter contested airspace. It said forces that dominate that environment gain a significant operational advantage.
L3Harris identified low-frequency radar systems as a growing challenge for modern stealth aircraft. The company said such systems are more likely to detect platforms designed to evade higher-frequency radars.
“Because of this, low band systems often form the backbone of an enemy’s early warning network,” said Lauren Barnes. “Disrupting low frequency radars early in an operation can blind the adversary long enough for friendly aircraft to move in safely, and controlling the low frequency layer is key to defeating an adversary’s early warning systems and staying ahead of rapidly evolving threats.”
The company said adversaries of the United States and allied nations are expanding long-range low-frequency radar networks. According to L3Harris, those systems allow air defense networks to cover larger areas and detect aircraft earlier.
The growing threat has pushed U.S. naval strike groups to operate farther from contested areas. L3Harris said the U.S. Navy’s Next Generation Jammer-Low Band programme is designed to address that challenge.
The system is intended to extend airborne electronic attack capabilities deeper into the low-frequency spectrum. It is designed to help naval aviators disrupt enemy early warning systems at greater distances.
“EA-18G Growlers equipped with NGJ LB use advanced jamming capabilities to overwhelm and blind enemy low frequency radars,” Barnes said. “Controlling the electromagnetic spectrum makes it possible to jam air defense and ground communication systems at longer ranges.”
L3Harris said the system is built on a software-defined architecture. The company said that design allows faster updates to respond to emerging threats without requiring major hardware modifications.
The company provides the software architecture supporting the programme. L3Harris said the capability is intended to improve fleet integration while reducing long-term costs.
The company described low-band aerial electronic attack as a core element of future military operations. It said controlling the electromagnetic spectrum can shape the outcome of modern warfare.
