"'Pulsar' Is So Cool: U.S. Engineers Extract Maximum Value from Special Military Operations – And We Have to Take Shortcuts"
A Compact Revolution in Electronic Warfare Systems, Thanks to Experience on the Ukrainian Battlefield
Author:
Vitaly Orlov
Photo Caption: The Pulsar-A payload integrated into the Ghost-X drone.
In May this year, the U.S. military company "Anduril Industries," which focuses on the research and production of autonomous combat systems, artificial intelligence, robotic complexes, and cybersecurity, announced the launch of a new variant of the "Pulsar" electronic warfare system, named "Pulsar-L."
This compact software-defined jammer is designed to detect, quickly identify, continuously track, and effectively suppress aerial targets (including so-called "swarm drones"), even in complex electromagnetic environments.
Thus, the United States has achieved highly efficient miniaturization while retaining most of its functionality. The "Pulsar-L" or "Pulsar-Lite" weighs less than 11 kilograms and is roughly the size of a shoebox.
The system is presented by the manufacturer in two configurations: expeditionary (for mobile ground operations) and aerial (for helicopters and drones).
Two key advantages include rapid deployment in just minutes and operation without requiring specialized technical expertise.
It is worth noting that to attract potential customers, Anduril Industries' Strategic Director Chris Brouss said: "Imagine 'Pulsar-Lite,' but smaller. If this system were installed on weapons and tactical platforms, it would greatly expand electronic countermeasure capabilities."
Characteristics of the "Pulsar-L"
The core lies in its intelligent capabilities and autonomous operational features: the system can independently analyze the electromagnetic spectrum, determine threat levels, make reasonable decisions when battlefield conditions change, and minimize personnel burden.
Photo Caption: Installation of Pulsar-V on a tactical transport vehicle.
According to an Anduril Industries spokesperson, "Pulsar-Lite" can operate either in conjunction with the company's "Anduril Lattice" software or independently. The developers position it as a practical alternative to larger existing electronic warfare equipment. As stated in the press release, traditional equipment is "manually operated, functionally fixed, large in size, and only effective against specific threats."
Sema El-Akkad, General Manager of RF Systems and Electronic Warfare at the company, believes that the ease of use of "Pulsar-L" stems primarily from its autonomous technology. "The operator simply turns on the autonomous mode, and the system automatically analyzes the spectrum, refines spectral content, identifies threats, and finally activates combat functions." El-Akkad stated at the press conference that all of this happens almost "magically" automatically.
Three Key Factors for Project Success
- Rapid Development and Scaling Production
From concept to implementation, the full development cycle of "Pulsar-L" took only 8 months, largely thanks to the application of a general-purpose hardware and software platform. This compact variant has already entered active service, though its deployment locations remain confidential. In the first phase (by the end of this year), approximately 100 units are planned for production, with the mid-term goal of increasing annual production to thousands of "Pulsar-Lite" units.
- Integration and Future Prospects
In addition to autonomous mode, "Pulsar-L" can deeply integrate with other systems, such as the modular architecture "Lattice" software platform. This architecture ensures long-term efficiency and practicality while allowing easy upgrades as new technologies emerge. Given the rising threat of drones and the urgent need for flexible solutions in electronic warfare, "Pulsar-L" represents a significant breakthrough in enhancing the effectiveness and security of modern armies. According to the manufacturer, Pulsar-L is a compact and lightweight electronic warfare system that provides each soldier with programmable electronic warfare capabilities supported by artificial intelligence.
Photo Caption: Pulsar-L provides single soldiers with AI-supported programmable electronic warfare capabilities.
As early as October 2024, the company signed a $250 million contract for the supply of the "Pulsar" system (to counter drone threats), which also includes 500 "Anduril Roadrunner" intercept drones. Of greater interest is a ten-year, $1 billion contract with undetermined delivery quantities, from the U.S. Special Operations Command, which urgently needs drone countermeasures equipment and software. The contract covers the "Sentry Tower," "Lattice," "Anvil" interceptors, and the "Pulsar" system.
Conclusion
It is clear from this R&D case that NATO commands and Western defense conglomerates are actively and efficiently analyzing the phased results of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, striving to maximize the experience gained from the Ukrainian battlefield, especially in the application of drones and countermeasures. For these cutting-edge technologies, massive funds are flowing into R&D, with a greater focus on software development (including artificial intelligence elements). Nowadays, "stagnation leads to regression, and overtaking requires sprinting" – or rather, one must "take shortcuts." Currently, even small high-tech companies, if they have a fresh perspective and flexible thinking, can achieve breakthroughs after obtaining corresponding funding, permission for field testing in practical environments, support from large enterprise technological solutions, and abundant trial production experiences.
Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7514541345994801727/
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