Defense & Military
RTX Collins Aerospace Wins NATO Contract for Advanced Electronic Warfare System
RTX’s Collins Aerospace secures NATO contract to deliver AI-enabled Electronic Warfare Planning and Battle Management system enhancing spectrum dominance.
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 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 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.
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
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.
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 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.
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. 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.
What is the Electronic Warfare Planning and Battle Management (EWPBM) system? Why is electromagnetic warfare important for NATO? How large is the global electronic warfare market? What role does artificial intelligence play in modern electronic warfare? How does RTX benefit from the NATO contract? Sources:
Introduction
The Evolution of Electromagnetic Warfare in Modern Doctrine
Changing Military Priorities and the Rise of Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations
NATO’s Strategic Response and the Need for Interoperable Solutions
NATO’s Electronic Warfare Planning and Battle Management System
Technical Capabilities and System Integration
Operational Impact and Implementation
Market Dynamics, Financial Context, and Industry Trends
Growth of the Electronic Warfare Market
RTX’s Financial Performance and Strategic Positioning
Broader Industry and Geopolitical Trends
Conclusion
FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
RTX News Center
Photo Credit: RTX
Defense & Military
Boeing to Modernize C-17A Fleet with MOSA Upgrades Through 2075
Boeing secures contract to upgrade C-17A avionics with Modular Open Systems Architecture, extending fleet service through 2075 with Curtiss-Wright as key subcontractor.
The Boeing Company announced on February 9, 2026, that it has received a significant contract award from the U.S. Air Force to overhaul the flight deck of the C-17A Globemaster III. The “Flight Deck Obsolescence and Technology Refresh” program aims to transition the strategic airlifter’s avionics to a Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), ensuring the fleet remains mission-ready through 2075.
This modernization effort addresses critical component obsolescence while introducing a digital backbone capable of rapid future upgrades. By moving away from hard-wired legacy systems, the U.S. Air-Forces intends to keep the C-17 relevant in an era of contested logistics and evolving digital warfare.
According to the announcement, the core of this upgrade is the implementation of MOSA. This architecture functions similarly to a modern smartphone operating system, allowing engineers to swap out hardware or install new software applications without redesigning the entire cockpit. This “plug-and-play” capability is essential for integrating future communication links and defensive systems required for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) operations.
The upgrade will replace legacy Multi-Function Displays (MFD) and Standby Engine Displays (SED) with high-definition “glass cockpit” screens. It also includes upgrades to the Core Integrated Processor (CIP) and Video Integrated Processor (VIP), significantly reducing crew workload and improving situational awareness.
Travis Williams, Vice President of Boeing USAF Mobility & Training Services, emphasized the long-term value of this refresh in the company’s press statement:
“By resolving avionics obsolescence and introducing MOSA, we’re preserving a proven, highly dependable, heavy airlifter and keeping it at the forefront of performance and efficiency for decades to come.”
While the February 9 announcement highlights the broader modernization framework, specific financial details reveal the scale of the commitment. A related contract for “Flight Deck Replacement” awarded to Boeing in late 2025 was valued at approximately $265 million, covering the Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development (EMD) phase.
Simultaneously, Curtiss-Wright Corporation announced it had secured a contract with a lifetime value exceeding $400 million to supply the ruggedized mission computers for the program. As a major subcontractor, Curtiss-Wright will provide the high-performance computing modules that serve as the brain of the new open architecture system. Lynn M. Bamford, Chair and CEO of Curtiss-Wright, stated regarding the partnership:
“By delivering rugged, modular mission computing technology, we are supporting the long-term readiness of the C-17, a platform essential to global logistics and mobility operations.”
The decision to extend the C-17’s service life to 2075, nearly 85 years after its first flight, highlights a critical reality in modern military aviation: airframes often outlast their electronics. The C-17 is structurally sound, but its 1990s-era avionics are becoming impossible to source.
We observe that the move to MOSA is not just about maintenance; it is a strategic pivot. By decoupling software from hardware, the USAF can update the C-17’s cyber defenses and communication nodes at the speed of software development, rather than the multi-year pace of hardware acquisition. This flexibility is vital as the C-17 transitions from a permissive-environment cargo hauler to a data node in a high-threat, connected battlespace.
The modernization program targets the entire fleet of 275 aircraft. This includes 222 aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force and 53 aircraft flown by international partners, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, India, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and the NATO Strategic Airlift Capability.
In addition to the avionics refresh, the fleet is undergoing efficiency improvements. Recent reports indicate the adoption of “Microvanes,” 3D-printed structures attached to the fuselage that reduce drag by approximately 1%. While seemingly small, this adjustment saves millions of gallons of fuel annually, extending the aircraft’s range for operations in the Pacific theater.
What is the timeline for the C-17 modernization? What is MOSA? Who are the primary contractors?
Boeing Secures Contract to Modernize C-17A Fleet Through 2075
The Shift to Open Architecture
Key Partners and Financials
Curtiss-Wright’s Contribution
AirPro News Analysis
Global Fleet Impact
Frequently Asked Questions
The program is designed to keep the C-17 operational through 2075. The current phase involves Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development (EMD), with fleet-wide installation to follow.
Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) is a design standard that allows different components from different suppliers to work together seamlessly. It enables rapid upgrades and prevents “vendor lock-in” for future technology insertions.
The Boeing Company is the prime contractor. Curtiss-Wright Corporation is a key subcontractor responsible for the mission computers.Sources
Photo Credit: Boeing
Defense & Military
South Korea Grounds AH-1S Cobra Helicopters After Fatal Crash
South Korea suspends AH-1S Cobra helicopter operations following a fatal training crash amid delays in fleet replacement.
This article summarizes reporting by South China Morning Post and official statements from the South Korean military.
The South Korean military has ordered an immediate suspension of all AH-1S Cobra helicopters operations following a fatal accident on Monday morning. According to reporting by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the crash occurred in Gapyeong and resulted in the deaths of two crew members. The grounding order remains in effect pending a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the incident.
The tragedy has renewed scrutiny over the Republic of Korea Army’s aging fleet of attack helicopters, many of which have surpassed their original intended service life. Military officials confirmed that the aircraft involved was conducting training maneuvers at the time of the accident.
The crash took place at approximately 11:04 AM KST on February 9, 2026. The aircraft, an AH-1S Cobra operated by the Army’s 15th Aviation Group, went down on a riverbank in Gapyeong County, located roughly 55 kilometers northeast of Seoul.
According to military briefings, the two crew members on board, both Warrant Officers, were recovered from the wreckage in cardiac arrest. They were transported to a nearby hospital but were subsequently pronounced dead.
Preliminary reports indicate the crew was engaged in “emergency landing procedures.” In rotorcraft aviation, this typically refers to autorotation training, a high-risk maneuver where pilots simulate engine failure to glide the helicopter safely to the ground using the energy stored in the spinning rotors. While standard for pilot certification, autorotation requires precise handling, particularly during the final “flare” phase near the ground.
The AH-1S Cobra has been a staple of South Korea’s anti-tank capabilities since its introduction between 1988 and 1991. However, the fleet is widely considered obsolete by modern standards. Estimates suggest the Army still operates between 55 and 70 of these airframes.
According to defense procurement plans previously released by the government, the AH-1S fleet was scheduled for retirement by 2024. The continued operation of these helicopters in 2026 points to significant delays in the full deployment of replacement platforms, specifically the AH-64E Apache Guardian and the domestically produced KAI LAH (Light Armed Helicopter). This is not the first time the aging Cobra fleet has faced safety questions. In August 2018, the fleet was grounded after a catastrophic mechanical failure in Yongin. During that incident, a main rotor blade separated from the fuselage during takeoff, leading to a crash landing. That failure was later attributed to a defect in the rotor strap assembly, highlighting the structural fatigue inherent in airframes that have been in service for nearly four decades.
The Risks of Legacy Training Modernization Pressure
South Korea Grounds AH-1S Cobra Fleet Following Fatal Training Crash
Incident Details and Casualties
Fleet Status and Delayed Retirement
Previous Safety Concerns
AirPro News Analysis
The crash in Gapyeong underscores a critical dilemma facing modernizing militaries: the necessity of training on “high-risk” airframes while awaiting delayed replacements. Autorotation training is inherently dangerous even in modern aircraft; performing these stress-inducing maneuvers on helicopters approaching 40 years of service compounds the risk profile significantly.
We anticipate this incident will accelerate political pressure on the Ministry of National Defense to expedite the retirement of the remaining AH-1S Cobras. While South Korea has become a major exporter of advanced defense hardware, such as the K2 tank and FA-50 light combat aircraft, the domestic reliance on Vietnam-era derivative helicopters creates a stark capability gap. The tragedy may force the military to prioritize the delivery of the KAI LAH to prevent further loss of life among aircrews operating obsolete equipment.
Sources
Photo Credit: Reuters
Defense & Military
Grid Aero Raises $20M to Deploy Long-Range Autonomous Airlift
Grid Aero secures $20M Series A funding to develop the “Lifter-Lite,” a long-range autonomous aircraft for military logistics in the Indo-Pacific.
This article is based on an official press release from Grid Aero.
Grid Aero, a California-based aerospace Startups, announced on January 26, 2026, that it has raised $20 million in Series A funding. The round was led by Bison Ventures and Geodesic Capital, with participation from Stony Lonesome Group, Alumni Ventures, Ubiquity Ventures, Calibrate Ventures, and Commonweal Ventures. The capital will be used to transition the company’s “Lifter-Lite” autonomous aircraft from prototype to a fielded platform, specifically targeting military logistics challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Unlike many entrants in the autonomous aviation sector that focus on electric propulsion, Grid Aero has developed a clean-sheet, conventional-fuel aircraft designed to address the “tyranny of distance.” By utilizing standard Jet-A fuel and a rugged fixed-wing design, the company aims to provide a heavy-lift solution capable of operating without traditional runway infrastructure.
According to the company’s announcement, the flagship “Lifter-Lite” aircraft prioritizes range and payload capacity over novel propulsion methods. The system is engineered to carry between 1,000 and 8,000 pounds of cargo, with a maximum range of up to 2,000 miles. This range capability allows for trans-oceanic flights, such as routes from Guam to Japan, which are critical for Pacific theater operations.
The aircraft utilizes a conventional turboprop engine, a strategic choice intended to ensure compatibility with existing military fuel supply chains. The design features Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities, enabling operations from dirt strips, highways, or damaged runways where standard cargo planes cannot land.
Grid Aero was founded in 2024 by CEO Arthur Dubois and CTO Chinmay Patel. Dubois previously served as Director of Engineering at Xwing and was an early engineer at Joby Aviation. Patel, who holds a PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford, brings experience from Zee Aero (Kitty Hawk). The leadership team emphasizes a shift away from the “electric hype” of the urban air mobility sector toward pragmatic, physics-based solutions for defense logistics.
“We are building the pickup truck of the skies, a rugged, affordable, and autonomous logistics network capable of operating in austere environments.”
, Grid Aero Mission Statement
The Investments from Geodesic Capital, a firm known for fostering U.S.-Japan collaboration, highlights the strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific. The Department of Defense (DoD) has identified logistics as a primary vulnerability in potential conflicts where traditional supply lines may be contested. Grid Aero positions its technology as an “attritable” asset, low-cost, unmanned systems that can be deployed in volume without risking human crews. The Shift to Pragmatic Propulsion
While the broader autonomous aviation market has largely chased the promise of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) technologies, Grid Aero’s successful Series A raise signals a growing investor appetite for pragmatic, mission-specific engineering. Electric propulsion currently struggles with energy density, limiting most eVTOLs to ranges under 200 miles, insufficient for the vast distances of the Pacific.
By opting for a conventional turboprop engine, Grid Aero bypasses the battery bottleneck entirely. This decision allows the “Lifter-Lite” to integrate immediately into existing defense infrastructure (using Jet-A fuel) while offering ranges that are an order of magnitude higher than its electric competitors. For military buyers, the ability to repair an aluminum airframe in the field is often more valuable than the theoretical efficiency of composite electric platforms.
What is the primary use case for Grid Aero’s aircraft?
The aircraft is designed for “contested logistics,” delivering heavy cargo (1,000–8,000 lbs) over long ranges (up to 2,000 miles) to areas without standard runways, such as islands or forward operating bases.
Why does Grid Aero use conventional fuel instead of electric power?
Conventional Jet-A fuel offers significantly higher energy density than current battery technology, enabling the long ranges required for operations in the Pacific. It also ensures compatibility with existing military logistics chains.
Who are the lead investors in this round? The Series A round was led by Bison Ventures, a deep-tech VC firm, and Geodesic Capital, which specializes in U.S.-Japan expansion and security collaboration.
Is the aircraft fully autonomous?
Yes, the system is designed for fully autonomous flight operations, allowing for “fleet-scale” management where a single operator can oversee multiple aircraft simultaneously.
Grid Aero Secures $20M Series A to Deploy Long-Range Autonomous Airlift for Contested Logistics
The “Lifter-Lite” Platform: Capabilities and Design
Leadership and Engineering Pedigree
Strategic Context: Addressing Contested Logistics
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Grid Aero
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