How NATO Defends Against Emerging EMSO Threats

How NATO Defends Against Emerging EMSO Threats

Author: Association of Old Crows November 26, 2025 Duration: 47:27

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, Ken Miller is joined by Mike Alperi, Deputy Program Manager of PMS 408 Expeditionary Missions Program Office at the Naval Sea Systems Command, to talk about his involvement in NATO Subgroup One and its cross-country collaborative Thor’s Hammer exercise — an initiative that allows systems from different nations to be tested side-by-side against cutting edge UAS and IED threats.


Alperi says the annual four-week program has greatly expanded over the last decade, growing from five participating nations in 2015 to 14 countries last year. Crucially, he says the scope of Thor’s Hammer has grown over the years, from just counter-ID and counter-UAS training to countering emerging small radio frequency threats. 


Alperi says the subgroup shares the information from these tests with participating countries around the world, making sure key allies have the best information available as EW technologies continue to rapidly evolve.


To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.


Tune into From the Crows' Nest for a direct line to the complex and critical world of electromagnetic spectrum operations. Produced by the Association of Old Crows, this podcast moves beyond the headlines to explore the real-world implications of EMSO on global security and technology. Each episode features candid conversations with experts, offering nuanced analysis and grounded discussions that connect policy to practice. You’ll hear timely breakdowns of how current events, legislative actions on Capitol Hill, and the annual defense budget shape capabilities and strategy. The dialogue extends to military developments from the United States and allied nations, providing a comprehensive view of the landscape. This series also serves as an audio companion to the broader Old Crow community, offering insights into key events and fostering a deeper understanding of the policy debates that define the field. For anyone engaged in or curious about the intersection of government, defense technology, and the invisible domain of the spectrum, this podcast delivers essential context and perspective straight from the source.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

From the Crows' Nest
Podcast Episodes
Adaptation as Advantage in Modern Warfare [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:47
What really separates winning militaries from losing ones? It may come down to something far less tangible than weapons or technology.In today’s episode, host Ken Miller sits down with Brian Clark, Senior Fellow at the H…
What Happens When GPS Goes Dark? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:40
GPS and GNSS systems quietly power nearly every aspect of modern life, from financial transactions and power grids to aviation and emergency response. But what happens when they’re disrupted?In this episode, host Ken Mil…
Unlocking Spectrum Dominance With AI and Cognitive EW [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:19
This week, host Ken Miller sits down with Dr. Karen Haigh to explore the rapidly evolving world of cognitive electromagnetic warfare and its implications for the future of modern military operations.Dr. Haigh shares her…
Global Tensions from Tehran to Beijing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:51
Host Ken Miller is first joined by USAF Col. (Ret.) Jeffrey Fischer, author and now CEO of Fischer Aerospace, to discuss the breaking news of the US and Israel's attack on Iran and what it could mean for the region. Then…
Why EMSO Needs a Seat at the Table [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:16
Host Ken Miller sits down with Katy Nazaretova of Forza DC to talk about the growing push for a Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Combat Support Agency, and why the timing matters. Together, they explore the gaps…
Is It Time for an EMSO Force? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:25
In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, we go back to AOC 2025, where Ken Miller hosted a live panel with Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Kevin Kennedy, Vice President for Defense Strategy & Warfighting Integration at Mantech. Col. (Re…
The Success of EMSO in Venezuela [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:29
In this episode, host Ken Miller takes a closer look at a recent US military operation targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro as a case study in how electromagnetic warfare (EW) and directed energy are shaping modern…
What Does it Mean to be a Crow? (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:06
In the first of a two-part series, host Ken Miller brings the podcast back to basics and answers key questions newer listeners may not have thought about: Why are members of the electromagnetic warfare and spectrum opera…
Disruptive EMSO: A Key to Mission Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:48
In discussions of electromagnetic warfare, experts and enthusiasts often discuss the lethal and destructive capabilities of the technology. But effective disruption is a key element to mission success, and today’s guest…
AOC 2025 Daily Podcast, Day 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:13
In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by Kevin Finch, AOC Board of Director and chair of this year’s symposium. Ken and Kevin tie together the major themes shared during this week’s presentat…