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.
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