Initial success of new electronic warfare equipment
In November 2023, the portable signal jammer device developed by Mastodon Design of CACI International passed the initial test of the US Army. The system is designed as a backpack electronic warfare device that enables soldiers to manipulate electronic signals on the move. The test was conducted at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and demonstrated the combat capabilities of the Land Base System Brigade Combat Team (TLS-BCT Manpack).
Background on the development of the portable signal jammer device
CACI Internation was awarded a $1.5 million contract to develop this backpack jammer prototype. The system combines the company's existing Beast and Kraken electronic warfare products to improve their performance and practicality. Todd Probert, president of CACI National Security and Innovation Solutions, said they were satisfied with the test results and planned to continue to improve the system.
Challenges and Advantages of Backpack Signal Blocker Devices
The TLS-BCT man-pack system is designed to provide troops with mobile electronic warfare capabilities. It will be installed on Stryker armored vehicles and other multi-purpose vehicles, and is also planned for the higher-level TLS-Echelon Above Brigade system. A major challenge of backpack equipment is its physical load - size, weight and power (SWaP). Michael Nagata, strategic advisor to CACI, pointed out that reducing the burden on soldiers and providing efficient capabilities will be an important advancement in the defense industry.
The U.S. Army's Electronic Warfare Reshaping
Driven by changes in the global security environment, the U.S. Army is reshaping its electronic warfare arsenal. Although these tools were once widely used in the Middle East, the Army is re-examining its strategy and resource allocation in the face of new threats from world powers. The total contract for the TLS series has reached tens of millions of dollars, and CACI is also working with Lockheed Martin to develop the TLS-EAB system.
Army Brigadier General Ed Barker said the demonstration of the backpack weapon set a new standard for future users. During the evaluation, the Army Forces Command expressed a positive attitude towards the system's performance and operation, praising the system's innovation and combat capabilities.
CACI's Development And Future
CACI's defense-related revenue reached $4.3 billion in 2022 and ranked 27th on the Defense News list of the world's top 100 largest defense contractors. The company acquired Mastodon Design for $225 million in 2019, laying the foundation for its development in the field of electronic warfare. In the future, CACI will continue to be committed to the innovation and development of electronic warfare equipment to meet the ever-changing global security challenges.