Introduction

In September 2025, RTX Corporation’s Collins Aerospace division secured a significant contract with the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) to deliver advanced Electronic Warfare Planning and Battle Management (EWPBM) systems. This development is more than a milestone for Collins Aerospace; it reflects NATO’s strategic prioritization of electromagnetic spectrum dominance in modern military operations. As the electromagnetic environment becomes increasingly contested, NATO’s decision underscores the alliance’s commitment to technological superiority and integrated defense capabilities.

The awarded EWPBM system aims to provide NATO commanders with real-time situational awareness, automate sensor management, and coordinate electronic warfare assets across complex operational theaters. This move comes amid a surge in global defense spending, particularly within NATO, and a rapidly growing electronic warfare market. The contract not only strengthens RTX’s market position but also signals broader trends in defense technology, multi-domain operations, and geopolitical competition.

This article explores the evolution of electromagnetic warfare, the specifics of the Collins Aerospace contract, market and industry trends, and the broader strategic implications for NATO and the global defense landscape.

The Evolution of Electromagnetic Warfare in Modern Doctrine

Changing Military Priorities and the Rise of Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations

The electromagnetic spectrum has emerged as a critical domain in contemporary military doctrine, alongside traditional land, air, sea, and cyber domains. Electronic warfare (EW) comprises electronic attack, electronic protection, and electronic support, functions that are now essential as modern militaries rely heavily on digital communications, precision navigation, and sensor networks. This reliance creates both operational advantages and vulnerabilities, making spectrum dominance a strategic imperative.

Historical conflicts have demonstrated the decisive impact of EW. During the 1991 Gulf War, U.S. forces used coordinated jamming and anti-radiation missiles to neutralize Iraqi air defenses, shaping the outcome of the campaign. Today, adversaries have developed more sophisticated EW capabilities, necessitating advanced countermeasures and integrated planning. Russian doctrine, for example, emphasizes EW as a central pillar of information warfare, while Chinese military strategy incorporates EW into broader anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) frameworks.

Recent conflicts, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, have highlighted the real-world significance of EW. Russian forces have deployed systems like Zhitel and Krasukha for communications jamming and GPS spoofing, demonstrating the ability to degrade enemy command and control within minutes. The proliferation of unmanned systems and sensor networks further amplifies the importance of EW, as congested and contested electromagnetic environments become the norm on modern battlefields.

“Success in future conflicts will depend on the ability to operate effectively when traditional communication and navigation systems are degraded, denied, or disrupted.”

NATO’s Strategic Response and the Need for Interoperable Solutions

NATO’s investment in advanced EW capabilities is a direct response to the evolving threat landscape. The alliance recognizes that future conflicts will be decided by the capacity to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum and deny adversaries the same. This requires not only advanced technology but also interoperability across national boundaries and service branches.

The EWPBM system delivered by Collins Aerospace is designed to address these requirements. By integrating data from operational systems, intelligence sources, and distributed sensors, the system provides a unified Recognized Electromagnetic Picture (REP) and an Electronic Order of Battle (EOB). This enables commanders to visualize threats, coordinate jamming operations, and automate asset management in real time.

Automation and AI are increasingly central to EW planning and execution. The EWPBM system’s AI-driven features reduce response times and optimize resource allocation, ensuring that NATO forces can counter rapidly evolving threats. This aligns with the alliance’s broader shift toward multi-domain operations, where electromagnetic effects must be synchronized with kinetic, cyber, and information operations.

NATO’s Electronic Warfare Planning and Battle Management System

Technical Capabilities and System Integration

The EWPBM system represents a leap forward in EW command and control. It fuses data from multiple sources to create a comprehensive REP, correlating electromagnetic signatures with geographic locations and operational patterns. The EOB function provides detailed information on electronic devices in the operational area, supporting tactical decisions and resource allocation.

Advanced Automation is a hallmark of the system. AI-enabled threat detection and response algorithms continuously monitor the electromagnetic environment, adapt to new threat signatures, and recommend or execute countermeasures. This reduces the cognitive load on operators and allows for faster, more effective responses in dynamic scenarios.

Interoperability is a core requirement. The EWPBM system uses standardized data formats and communication protocols to ensure seamless integration with NATO’s command and control infrastructure. Its modular architecture allows for scalability, from small tactical units to theater-level commands, making it suitable for diverse mission requirements across the alliance.

“The system equips commanders with critical tools to visualize electronic warfare threats while automating the deployment and coordination of jammers and sensors.” — Ryan Bunge, Collins Aerospace

Operational Impact and Implementation

NATO’s adoption of the EWPBM system is expected to enhance alliance-wide EW coordination and operational effectiveness. By providing a common operating picture and automating key functions, the system enables faster decision-making and more efficient use of EW assets. This is particularly important in coalition operations, where forces from multiple nations must work together seamlessly.

The system’s deployment will involve rigorous testing, validation, and integration phases. Collins Aerospace will collaborate closely with NATO to ensure that the system meets operational requirements and enhances collective defense capabilities. The focus on interoperability and scalability means that the system can evolve alongside emerging threats and technological advancements.

Ultimately, the EWPBM system is a foundational capability for NATO’s multi-domain operations strategy. It supports the alliance’s ability to respond to hybrid threats that combine conventional, cyber, and electronic attacks, ensuring that NATO remains agile and resilient in an increasingly complex security environment.

Market Dynamics, Financial Context, and Industry Trends

Growth of the Electronic Warfare Market

The global electronic warfare market is experiencing robust growth, driven by rising recognition of spectrum dominance as a critical military capability. Market analysts project that the EW market will expand from $19.44 billion in 2024 to $538.30 billion by 2033, with compound annual growth rates varying between 8.3% and 44.63%, depending on the segment and methodology. The cognitive EW segment, which leverages AI and machine learning, is expected to see particularly strong growth, reaching $82.99 billion by 2033.

North America leads global EW spending, accounting for about 40% of the market and generating over $7 billion in regional revenue. The United States alone allocates more than $11 billion annually to EW research and development, with $5 billion specifically earmarked for capability enhancements in 2024. In Europe, NATO members have collectively increased their defense investments, contributing $454 billion to alliance spending in 2024.

This surge in spending reflects a strategic shift toward proactive investment in next-generation EW systems, driven by lessons from recent conflicts and the need to counter near-peer adversaries. As a result, defense contractors with advanced EW portfolios, such as RTX, are well positioned to capture significant market share.

RTX’s Financial Performance and Strategic Positioning

RTX Corporation has demonstrated strong financial performance, reporting $80.74 billion in revenue for 2024, an increase of nearly 12% over the previous year. Adjusted earnings per share grew 13% to $5.73, supported by a robust backlog of $218 billion, including $93 billion in defense programs. The company’s $7.5 billion annual R&D investment underpins its technological leadership in EW, AI, and other critical areas.

Recent contract wins, such as the $904 million Cooperative Engagement Capability contract with the U.S. Navy and the $590 million Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band production contract, have further strengthened RTX’s position. The company’s strategic partnerships, including co-production agreements with European firms, enhance its ability to meet customer requirements and expand its industrial footprint.

RTX’s diversified structure, encompassing Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon, enables it to deliver integrated solutions across multiple domains. This positions the company to lead in the development and deployment of advanced EW systems for both U.S. and international customers.

Broader Industry and Geopolitical Trends

The growing importance of EW is reflected in broader defense spending trends. NATO’s collective military expenditure reached $1.5 trillion in 2024, representing 55% of global defense spending. The alliance’s new target of 5% of GDP by 2035 signals a long-term commitment to modernization and capability development.

Geopolitical competition with Russia and China is a key driver of these investments. Both adversaries have demonstrated sophisticated EW capabilities, prompting NATO to accelerate the development and fielding of advanced countermeasures. International cooperation and interoperability are increasingly vital, as no single nation can address the full spectrum of EW threats alone.

The convergence of EW, cyber operations, and AI is reshaping the defense technology landscape. Companies that can integrate capabilities across domains will have a distinct competitive advantage, while those that remain siloed may struggle to keep pace with evolving requirements.

Conclusion

The NATO contract awarded to RTX’s Collins Aerospace division marks a pivotal step in the alliance’s efforts to modernize its electromagnetic warfare capabilities. The EWPBM system’s advanced situational awareness, automation, and interoperability features address critical operational needs validated by recent conflicts and emerging threats. By integrating AI-driven planning and real-time response, the system positions NATO to maintain spectrum dominance in contested environments.

Looking ahead, sustained investment in EW, AI, and integrated multi-domain operations will be essential for NATO and its partners. As the electronic warfare market continues to expand and adversary capabilities evolve, collaborative development and technological innovation will remain at the forefront of defense strategy. RTX’s leadership in this space, supported by strong financials and a comprehensive technology portfolio, ensures it will play a central role in shaping the future of military operations in the electromagnetic domain.

FAQ

What is the Electronic Warfare Planning and Battle Management (EWPBM) system?
The EWPBM system is an advanced software solution developed by Collins Aerospace for NATO. It provides real-time situational awareness of the electromagnetic spectrum, automates sensor and jammer management, and enables commanders to coordinate electronic warfare operations across complex environments.

Why is electromagnetic warfare important for NATO?
Electromagnetic warfare is critical because modern militaries depend on digital communications, navigation, and sensor networks. Dominating the electromagnetic spectrum protects these assets and degrades adversary capabilities, which is essential for operational success in contemporary conflicts.

How large is the global electronic warfare market?
Market projections vary, but analysts estimate the global electronic warfare market could grow from $19.44 billion in 2024 to $538.30 billion by 2033, with particularly strong growth in AI-enabled and cognitive EW segments.

What role does artificial intelligence play in modern electronic warfare?
AI enhances EW systems by enabling automated threat detection, adaptive countermeasure deployment, and real-time data analysis. This allows for faster and more effective responses to evolving threats, reducing the workload on human operators.

How does RTX benefit from the NATO contract?
The contract strengthens RTX’s position as a leader in the defense technology sector, expands its market share in the growing EW domain, and validates its technological approach to integrated, AI-enabled battle management systems.

Sources:
RTX News Center