The U.S. Army is developing a new technology that will increase awareness across the electromagnetic spectrum in order to achieve dominance on the modern battlefield and gain strategic advantage over enemy forces. Terrestrial Layer System-Brigade Combat Team Backpack (TLS BCT) system is activated. This system is considered a groundbreaking technology in terms of both military operations and electronic warfare capabilities.
What is TLS BCT and for what purpose is it used?
TLS BCT, is a configurable radio system that can search radio frequencies, collect signals, perform direction finding operations, detect electromagnetic attacks and visualize all this data. This technology combines both signal intelligence and electronic warfare operations in the same device, providing commanders with a wide range of mobility in the field.
According to the army's statements, TLS BCT, will play a critical role in understanding what military assets look like and enemy activity, especially in the electromagnetic spectrum. This system was developed to solve the complexities of the modern battlefield and achieve dominance.
TLS BCT Technical Features and Advantages
- Effective Control Over Radio Frequencies: TLS BCT can detect and interfere with enemy signals by scanning radio frequencies. This feature provides a great advantage in neutralizing the enemy's communication infrastructure.
- Lightweight and Portable Design: The system is designed to be easily carried by soldiers in the field. Developed as a lighter and smaller version of a device previously used by special forces, the TLS BCT increases mobility.
- Electromagnetic Spectrum Visualization: With this system, commanders can see threats and opportunities across the electromagnetic spectrum in real time, allowing strategic decisions to be made more quickly and effectively.
- Versatile Use: The system can be used for both defensive and offensive purposes. It has versatile functions such as collecting signals intelligence, detecting and neutralizing enemy electronic systems.
Operational Use of TLS BCT
TLS BCT, is currently actively used in three special brigades of the US Army, called “Contact Conversion” brigades:
- 25nd Light Brigade Combat Team, 2th Infantry Division in Hawaii
- 10nd Brigade, 2th Mountain Division, New York
- 101nd Brigade, 2st Airborne Division in Kentucky
These brigades test new equipment in the field and provide feedback on the system’s performance. This feedback helps improve the system and optimize future versions.
Importance of Electromagnetic Warfare and the Role of TLS BCT
In the modern battlefield, where traditional warfare methods are increasingly replaced by more sophisticated technologies, electromagnetic spectrum control is of great importance. TLS BCT serves the following goals by closing the gap in this area:
- Prevention of Enemy Activities: It detects the enemy's operational capabilities in the electromagnetic spectrum and stops these activities.
- Protection of Allied Forces: Increases operational security by protecting the communications infrastructure of friendly forces.
- Operational Awareness: It provides commanders with a complete map of the current electromagnetic spectrum, facilitating strategic decision-making.
Future Plans for the US Army
While the U.S. Army currently operates the TLS BCT in three brigades, plans are in place to expand the system to all brigade combat units. Officials aim to deliver the system to two brigades per month, with plans to complete the process over the next three years.
In this context, approximately A $100 million contract signed and a significant budget has been allocated for the development of the system, the training of soldiers and the field applications. These investments ensure that the TLS BCT not only meets the current combat needs but also adapts to the future battlefield requirements.
TLS BCTis an innovative and versatile electronic warfare system designed to provide superiority on the modern battlefield. The rapid deployment of this new technology by the US Army clearly demonstrates the army's efforts to maintain and increase its technological superiority.
This system not only increases awareness across the electromagnetic spectrum, but also greatly enhances operational capabilities and strategic advantages. It is inevitable that we will see the impact of TLS BCT on a larger scale in the coming years.
