Army’s new electronic warfare (EW) tactical vehicle is first of its kind in years

Elements of the U.S. Army’s 1st Cavalry Division have begun testing a new armored vehicle for electronic warfare (EW) that can jam enemy communications systems and other emitters. As potential opponents — especially Russia — invest heavily in similar systems, the service is looking to reinvigorate its own EW capabilities, which largely eroded after the end of the Cold War. Earlier in September 2018, the 1st Cavalry Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team sent personnel to the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona for a two-week course in operating the new system, known as the Electronic Warfare Tactical Vehicle (EWTV). The Army’s Rapid Equipping Force (REF) first announced plans to build the EWTVs on a prototype basis for field testing in the United States, as well as potentially Europe and South Korea.