// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM

EMSO

EMSO, or Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations, refers to military activities that involve controlling and using the electromagnetic spectrum for friendly forces while preventing adversaries from using it effectively. It's about dominating the invisible radio waves, radar, and other signals.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) represents the comprehensive integration and synchronization of Electronic Warfare (EW), Spectrum Management Operations (SMO), and relevant Cyberspace Operations to achieve superiority within the electromagnetic spectrum, enabling friendly forces to exploit, attack, protect, and manage this critical battlespace across all domains.

BACKGROUND

Secretary of Defense-Empowered Cross-Functional Teams are specialized organizations within the Department of Defense, authorized by Section 911 of the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act. The SECDEF CFTs are designed to help the Department improve mission effectiveness and efficiencies, improve business operations, and help the DoD address its most-pressing readiness and modernization activities.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Electromagnetic Warfare
  • Spectrum Operations
  • EW
  • SMO
  • Spectrum Control

USAGE NOTE

EMSO is a critical component of modern multi-domain operations, integrating capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber to achieve information advantage.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to EMSO.

  • RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies)

    A leading aerospace and defense company developing advanced electronic warfare systems, radars, and communications technologies crucial for electromagnetic spectrum operations.

  • Lockheed Martin

    A global security and aerospace company involved in the development of sophisticated electronic warfare systems, signals intelligence (SIGINT) solutions, and advanced spectrum management tools.

  • Northrop Grumman

    A major defense contractor recognized for its expertise in designing and manufacturing advanced electronic warfare systems, sensors, and communications platforms for controlling and exploiting the electromagnetic spectrum.

  • BAE Systems

    A multinational defense, security, and aerospace company with significant capabilities in electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, and secure communications for EMSO.

  • L3Harris Technologies

    Provides advanced defense and commercial technologies, including integrated mission systems, electronic warfare, and communication systems critical for navigating and dominating the electromagnetic spectrum.

  • General Dynamics Mission Systems

    Focuses on delivering mission-critical C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) solutions, which inherently involve sophisticated EMSO capabilities.

  • DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency)

    A U.S. government agency that funds and manages advanced research and development projects aimed at creating breakthrough technologies for national security, often including innovative EMSO concepts and tools.

  • MIT Lincoln Laboratory

    A federally funded research and development center focusing on advanced technology development for national security, including radar, electro-optical systems, and active research in EMSO technologies.

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