BACKGROUND

The proliferation of radio-controlled IEDs poses a threat to ADF personnel operating in conflict zones around the world. Detonated remotely, these deadly devices are constantly evolving, making them difficult to protect against without rapidly adapting defensive countermeasures development effort.

THE PROBLEM

To counter current and emerging IED threats, it is necessary to continuously update the Mission Fills—the data product that defines the ADF’s electronic warfare systems’ parameters to undertake active or reactive threat defence—to operate successfully in a continuously evolving IED threat environment. Maintaining pace with the constantly evolving threats is difficult. Techniques to disrupt the detonation of radio-controlled IEDs demands constant ingenuity and the application of highly advanced engineering skills in collaboration with intelligence efforts.

THE SOLUTION & OUTCOME

An embedded team of specialised DEWC Engineers and Technicians worked alongside Defence counterparts to provide EW engineering expertise to develop a robust engineering support system, inclusive of tools and processes, undertook development effort to update Mission Fills and providing ongoing optimisation of systems and processes. DEWC’s contribution has directly contributed to an evolution of the ADF’s Joint Counter IED capabilities to protect against contemporary and emerging threats.