Navy announces Milestone C for counter-IED electronic jamming system

The U.S. Navy has approved low-rate production for a system to combat radio-controlled improvised explosive devices.

The Navy developed electronic jamming system, with Northrop Grumman Information Systems as its prime contractor, is part of the Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare, or JCREW program.

The electronic system comes in three variants: dismounted, mounted and fixed. The dismounted variant is carried in a backpack, mounted variant is attached to tactical vehicles and the fixed variant is used at static locations, such as a camp or base. All three are intended to provide a "protective bubble" around warfighters against IEDs that are detonated by radio signal.

"This is an important system for force protection and we are very pleased with its progress," said Capt. Aaron Peters, program manager for the Navy's Expeditionary Mission Program Office, which manages the JVREW program. "I look forward to the prospect of getting this robust capability into the hands of our warfighters."

Development testing and operational assessment of the system by the U.S. Navy Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Force was completed in July. Low-rate production will begin next year, the Navy said.

Milestone C approval was granted by the Naval Sea Systems Command.