Overview
The Spectrum Situational Awareness System (S2AS) is a new procurement effort in the Army's fiscal 2026 budget request that provides sensing and visualization of unit signatures within the electromagnetic spectrum, enabling real-time reporting on command post emissions, coalition/interference sources, and threat signals.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|-----------|----------|
| Funding | $17.6 million procurement + $8.9 million R&D in FY26 budget request |
| Contractor | 3dB Labs (awarded other transaction agreement earlier in fiscal year) |
| Procurement Status | New start in procurement under "Electronic Warfare" program |
| Planned Acquisition | 20 systems |
Capabilities and Purpose
S2AS provides:
- Sensing of unit electromagnetic signatures
- Visualization of what units look like in the spectrum
- Real-time reporting on command post signatures
- Detection of electromagnetic interference from coalition partners or enemy sources
- Identification of threat emissions
Development History
Prior to the FY26 budget request, S2AS had already undergone a prototyping effort. The Army awarded 3dB Labs an other transaction agreement earlier in the fiscal year to develop and demonstrate a prototype.
Deployment Approach
The Army will use transforming-in-contact units to help inform how the program matures, aligning with the service's broader approach of injecting emerging technologies into operational units for experimental testing during exercises and deployments.
Related Programs
- electromagnetic-force-protection-capabilities — Broader concept of defensive EW capabilities including MEMSS, CSR, Integrated Electronic Warfare Systems, and S2AS
- transforming-in-contact-initiative — TiC initiative that delivers emerging technologies to units for experimental testing during exercises and deployments