Rolling Out Advanced EW Systems for the Navy

Rolling Out Advanced EW Systems for the Navy

Author: Association of Old Crows January 8, 2025 Duration: 38:44

In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, host Ken Miller dives into the world of cutting-edge electronic warfare (EW) with Captain David Rueter, Program Manager for Airborne Electronic Attack Systems at the U.S. Navy’s PMA-234. From game-changing advancements to the challenges that keep him awake at night, Capt. Rueter offers an insider’s look into the Navy’s most critical EW initiatives.


Capt. Rueter walks Ken through key programs shaping the future of airborne electronic attack, including the Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) mid- and low-band systems, the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, and the Intrepid Tiger ALQ-231. While the Navy has been at the forefront of countering emerging threats, Capt. Rueter reveals a lingering concern: the readiness of the legacy ALQ-99 system, which dates back to the 1970s and remains a critical yet challenging component of the Navy's EW arsenal.


Despite these hurdles, Capt. Rueter highlights significant progress, noting the rollout of the NGJ mid-band system in 2023 and L3Harris’s recent contract to advance the NGJ low-band system. As threats evolve, he emphasizes how vital these advancements are for maintaining the Navy’s edge in the electromagnetic battlespace.


Tune in for an enlightening discussion that pulls back the curtain on the Navy’s relentless push to stay ahead in the ever-shifting realm of EW.

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
How to Trust AI on the Battlefield [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:47
In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller unpacks one of the key challenges with using artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) in combat: How can human agents trust AI in a live, complex milit…
Reading the Tea Leaves in a Chaotic Global Security Environment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:00
In mid-September, in Lviv, Ukraine, the second annual Defense Tech Summit was held with representatives from over 50 countries in attendance. A policy shift from the Trump administration in support of Ukraine signals new…
How Science Fiction Informs and Inspires EMSO Innovation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:07
In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller looks at innovation in EMSO and how ideas get from whiteboard to the battlefield through a new lens: science fiction. Lisa Yaszek, Regents Professor of Science Fic…
Making Sense of Russia’s Drone Incursion into Poland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:28
In this episode, host Ken Miller is joined by friend and colleague Tom Withington, award-winning editor, defense journalist, and expert with Armada International. Ken and Tom discuss the latest developments in the Russo-…
Space Operations: The Final Frontier [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:05
After decades of being the purview of world governments, space operations have exploded in commercial and civilian necessity in recent years. Commercial satellites have increased 7 fold over the last 15 years and now tot…
"And Scene!"...Using Movies and Culture to Advance Innovation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:50
Innovation is a buzzword to showcase game-changing technologies and capabilities. But how do you get the people’s attention to consider the possibilities, risks, and opportunities? How do you raise awareness to move inno…
Will China Invade Taiwan in 2027? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:57
In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by returning guest Duncan McCrory from the Freeman Air & Space Institute at King’s College London to unpack concerns of a Chinese escalation in the Pacif…
Summer Q&A: EMSO, Global Conflicts, and a Few Big Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:24
As August kicks off and summer hits full swing, From the Crows’ Nest takes a step back from its usual format for a special Q&A episode. Host Ken Miller is joined in the studio by Voxtopica producer Laura Krebs to answer…
Salt Typhoon, Encryption and Protecting Against Cybersecurity Threats [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:34
In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller delves into the intersection of privacy and national security with Susan Landau, the Director of the Cybersecurity Center at Tufts University.Landau testified befo…
The Latest on the Congressional Defense Budget [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:49
In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by Madison Arcangeli and Katy Nazaretova from Forza DC to discuss the current state of Capitol Hill and the annual appropriations process. They cover a r…