Raytheon Wins U.S. Navy Contract for Next-Gen Jammer Mid-Band Expansion

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MC KINNEY, Texas, has secured a contract worth $192 million from the U.S. Navy. The agreement, announced by the company, involves the development of the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band Expansion (NGJ-MBX). This upgrade aims to broaden the frequency range of the existing Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) system. The expanded capabilities are designed to counter additional threats and enhance the system’s effectiveness in electronic warfare missions. The NGJ-MB system, jointly developed with the Royal Australian Air Force, is currently deployed on the U.S. Navy’s EA-18G Growler aircraft. Work on the contract will span multiple locations in the U.S. and is expected to continue through 2027, according to the company.

Russian GPS Jammer Deployment in Ukraine Backfires as Ukrainians Destroy It With a GPS-Guided Bomb: Forbes

The Ukrainians achieved a remarkable feat by destroying a Russian GPS-jammer in Ukraine, using a GPS-guided bomb. This incident highlights the profound impact of GPS on modern warfare and its significance in various aspects. The Pole-21 crew, operating the jammer, had to exercise caution, activating it only when no Russian forces requiring satellite guidance were nearby. This underscores a significant challenge with Russian electronic warfare, which often disrupts not just enemy equipment but also their own, leading to these systems being shut down at times. Ukraine’s Air Force took advantage of this vulnerability, utilizing a JDAM, a precision GPS-guided bomb, to strike the jammer site when it was reportedly offline. Furthermore, it’s crucial to recognize that GPS, originally designed as a weapon by Dr. Brad Parkinson with the objective of “putting five bombs in the same hole,” remains a powerful military tool. Despite four decades of the US government promoting GPS for diverse applications, it still remains under the operation of the US military, and most user equipment, even military ones, can be readily manipulated.

In Ukraine, the Russians installed a GPS jammer, a tactic not uncommon in global conflicts. However, the Ukrainians retaliated with an unexpected move – they destroyed it using a GPS-guided bomb, highlighting the complexities and technological advancements in modern warfare. This incident, similar to those in other regions, raises questions about the use of civilian and infrastructure PNT systems in active conflict zones.

Illegal Equipment: Is It Worth the Risk?

In Australia, it is illegal to use or possess mobile phone jammers, GPS jammers, WiFi jammers, drone jammers, and mobile phone boosters. Violators will face penalties. Be aware that these devices, including mobile phone jammers, GPS jammers, WiFi jammers, drone jammers, and mobile phone boosters, are prohibited to ensure public safety and compliance with regulations.

Can Mobile Phone Jammers Block Signals?

Mobile phone signal jammers, also known as PMTS jamming equipment, are devices that create interference with mobile phone signals. Their use can have significant impacts, including blocking access to emergency services for callers, disrupting other radio services, and even aiding criminal or terrorist activities. Due to these concerns, strict rules and permanent bans have been implemented regarding the operation, supply, offering to supply, or possession of these jammers. It’s important to be aware of and abide by these regulations to ensure public safety and avoid potential legal consequences.

Will GPS jammers work?

GPS jammers, also known as RNSS jamming equipment, are strictly prohibited. These devices can cause significant interference to satellite navigation systems, including crucial GPS signals. Operating, supplying, or even offering to supply gps jammers is a violation, posing serious risks to emergency services like police, ambulances, and fire departments that rely on navigation systems. Additionally, they can disrupt other radio communication services, compromising public safety. For more details on the regulations surrounding GPS jammers, refer to the Jamming Equipment Permanent Ban.

Can Mobile Phone Boosters Improve Signal?

Mobile phone boosters are devices that amplify phone signals, yet their usage is strictly prohibited. Operating, supplying, or possessing these boosters is not allowed as they can cause interference with mobile networks. Such interference weakens network performance for other users, disrupting services. To understand the regulations surrounding mobile phone boosters, refer to the Prohibition of Mobile Phone Boosters Declaration for a detailed overview of the rules.

How Effective Are Wi-Fi and Drone Jammers?

Operating, supplying, or offering wi-fi and drone jammers, known as RLAN and RPAS jamming equipment, is strictly prohibited. These devices can disrupt vital services for businesses and consumers, while also causing drones to behave erratically, posing significant threats to property and public safety. For detailed regulations on these jamming devices, refer to the Jamming Equipment Permanent Ban.

Penalty Queries?

Breaking the rules can lead to severe consequences. Offenders may face prison time up to 8 years or pay fines exceeding $1.5 million.

How to report illegal signal jamming devices?

Using illegal equipment can have life-threatening consequences. If you see someone selling it online, or are aware of anyone having or using such equipment, please report it to us immediately. You can reach out to us by calling the ACMA’s customer service center at 1300850115, emailing us at [email protected], or writing to us at Australian Communications and Media Authority, Attn: Monitoring and Compliance Section, PO Box 13112, Law Courts, Melbourne VIC 8010. When contacting us, please provide details such as if you are experiencing any interference, the location of the illegal equipment, the URL of the listing if seen online, any information about the person who has the equipment, and your contact details.