U.S. Army Evaluates Autonomous EW Drone that Hunts Jammers

Why It Matters

The Wraith gives armored units the ability to locate and neutralize jammers and radars autonomously, preserving maneuverability in GPS‑contested battlespaces. Its deployment could accelerate modernization of ground‑force EW and reduce reliance on external support.

Key Takeaways

• CX2's Wraith performed nearly a dozen autonomous sorties in two weeks.
• Drone operates without GPS using Pathfinder navigation and GNSS hardening.
• Integrated RF, EO/IR sensors enable detection and optical confirmation in one flight.
• Provides ground commanders real‑time emitter geolocation, improving freedom of maneuver.
• Addresses Army EW gap exposed by Ukraine conflict and contested spectra.

Pulse Analysis

The U.S. Army’s electronic‑warfare (EW) shortfall traces back to the post‑counterinsurgency era, when high‑intensity peer threats were deprioritized. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, however, underscored how modern adversaries can cripple maneuver with GPS jamming and sophisticated emitters. That experience spurred the Next Generation Command and Control initiative, prompting field trials like Exercise Ivy Mass to validate autonomous solutions that can operate when satellite navigation is denied.

CX2’s Wraith combines a compact quadrotor frame with Pathfinder navigation software, custom GNSS hardening, and layered non‑GPS positioning. By fusing RF signal analysis with electro‑optical/infrared (EO/IR) gimbaled optics, the drone can detect an emitter, classify it against a signature library, and visually confirm the source—all within a single sortie. The GPS‑independent capability ensures the platform remains functional in jammed or spoofed environments, a critical advantage over legacy ground‑based EW sensors that rely on external ISR assets.

If the Army integrates Wraith‑type systems across its armored brigades, commanders will gain near‑instantaneous situational awareness of hostile emitters, enabling rapid counter‑measures and preserving freedom of movement. The technology also signals a broader shift toward autonomous, soldier‑centric EW tools, reducing the need for contractor‑run support and lowering logistical footprints. Industry players developing similar sensor‑fusion and navigation stacks stand to benefit from increased procurement as the Army accelerates its EW modernization roadmap.