- Anduril Industries has launched a series of AI-based jammers named Pulsar, aimed at addressing evolving electronic warfare threats.
- Pulsar is currently operational with some US military forces.
- The system includes features for jamming, geolocation, and communication, enhanced by AI to quickly adapt to new threats.
- Pulsar units share threat data among themselves, enhancing collective intelligence and defensive capabilities.
- Versions of Pulsar include air-based, land-based, and a forthcoming portable model for infantry.
- Chris Brose highlighted the undisclosed production quantities and clientele, while emphasizing the system’s debut during SOF Week.
- Military officials express urgency in advancing US capabilities against electronic warfare amid global tensions.
- The open architecture of Pulsar encourages collaboration and integration with third-party technologies.
- Anduril has recently won significant contracts over traditional defense contractors, signaling a shift in defense procurement dynamics.
Main AI News:
Defense tech firm Anduril Industries has introduced a lineup of AI-equipped jammers, claiming that these devices can counter rapidly changing electronic warfare (EW) threats. The system, known as Pulsar, is already being used by some US forces. According to Sam El-Akkad, Anduril’s general manager for RF/EW systems, Pulsar can disrupt devices like drones, provide geolocation data, and support communication. Once the system detects new threats in the electromagnetic spectrum, AI accelerates the response by delivering a tailored defense within hours or days. El-Akkad stated that Pulsar systems are networked, allowing each unit to share newly identified threats across the entire lineup.
“If any system identifies a new signal or threat, it records and captures that data,” El-Akkad explained during a press briefing prior to the announcement. “Within hours, this information is analyzed and shared with all other systems, training them to recognize the new threat in the future.”
Anduril currently provides air- and land-based versions of Pulsar, while a portable version for ground troops is under development. Although Anduril’s Chief Strategy Officer, Chris Brose, would not disclose production quantities, pricing, or specific customers, prior press releases suggest that Special Operations Command has used the system. Its debut coincides with Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week.
Military officials have voiced concerns about EW tool proliferation, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and recent conflicts like Gaza. These tools impact civil aviation and shipping, highlighting the need to counter EW threats in modern conflicts with nations like Russia or China. Some officials caution that the US lags behind its rivals.
“There is growing recognition that the US military needs to bolster its defense against high-EW threats,” Brose said of Anduril’s decision to reveal Pulsar. “We want to contribute significantly to this effort.”
Brose also emphasized that Pulsar’s open architecture allows integration with other vendors’ technologies. “We believe we can have a larger impact on the mission by enabling others to build on our system,” he said. “We’d rather work collaboratively than lock down our technology, which is a typical industry practice.”
Despite being a relatively new player in defense acquisitions, Anduril has secured significant wins against established defense contractors. Last month, the Air Force awarded Anduril and General Atomics contracts to develop drones for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, outperforming Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman.
Conclusion:
The introduction of Pulsar by Anduril Industries represents a significant shift in the electronic warfare sector, positioning the company as a key player in the defense market. By leveraging AI and fostering an open architecture, Anduril not only enhances the US military’s capabilities but also challenges traditional procurement patterns and competitive dynamics within the defense industry. This move could potentially lead to increased market share for Anduril and influence future defense technology developments.
