The Air Force Electromagnetic Warfare Assessment programme, known as COMBAT SHIELD, was established to ensure the continued readiness of electronic warfare systems on U.S. Air Force aircraft. Personnel travelled worldwide to conduct assessments, with the Lakenheath tour providing a critical opportunity to evaluate EPAWSS in a realistic operational setting.
“This tour at Lakenheath was particularly significant because it allowed us to evaluate the EPAWSS system in a realistic operational setting,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Vanessa Gasswint, 87 EWS commander. “EPAWSS gave the 87th a great opportunity to assess a new system for a legacy aircraft and provide that feedback to the unit, commander and mission partners.”
EPAWSS was designed to detect, identify and counter a wide range of threats, offering improved situational awareness and protection for the F-15E/EX fleet. RAF Lakenheath and the F-15EX base at Portland Air National Guard were the first locations to gain the system, which built on multiple iterations of operational test mission data files developed by the 36th EWS.
“Our team analyzes the latest intelligence data on enemy radar systems, missile threats and electronic warfare tactics to build and continuously update the MDFs that drive EPAWSS,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Anthony Mendez, 36th EWS F-15 Flight commander. “We have tested these MDFs in simulated environments to ensure their effectiveness in protecting the warfighter and enabling them to achieve their mission objectives.”
During testing, the 87 EWS exposed EPAWSS to simulated anti-access and area-denial scenarios that reflected intelligence-based threats. Capt. Linsey Long, an F-15E Electronic Warfare Officer with the 494th Fighter Squadron, said: “This was the first time we’ve had the opportunity to really put EPAWSS through its paces in a [simulated] deployed environment. The insights gained from operating in a realistic threat environment are crucial to ensuring the system’s effectiveness in actual combat scenarios.”
Long added: “The difference between EPAWSS and the previous system is night and day. Before, we were often reacting to threats; with EPAWSS, we can proactively shape the electromagnetic environment to our advantage. This not only increases our survivability but also allows us to more effectively execute our missions and return home.”
Mendez highlighted the importance of collaboration with frontline squadrons. “Feedback is important,” he said. “It’s crucial to provide our customers with the best capability that we can and the 494th’s input is essential to doing effectively reprogramming their systems.”
With EPAWSS now integrating into the Combat Air Force fleet, the system represented a major advance in fourth-generation aircraft modernisation. Supported by the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing’s expertise, it aimed to ensure warfighters could maintain air superiority and achieve electromagnetic spectrum dominance.
