The U.S. Army is always looking to build the next-generation tools that help it stay ahead of its adversaries. They invest in research and development of cutting-edge technologies that enhance their capabilities and readiness. These tools enable them to conduct operations more efficiently, effectively, and safely.
Advanced Dynamic Spectrum Reconnaissance (ADSR) is a great example of how the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command and the Army Research Laboratory Pathfinder program have been successful in empowering Soldiers and researchers to quickly develop and advance solutions to real-world challenges in the field.
ADSR is an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled system that allows the Army’s wireless communications networks to detect and avoid enemy jamming and reduce RF emissions that could expose Army forces to enemy attacks.
The ADSR technology was first developed by a team of researchers at Vanderbilt University in connection with two challenge competitions sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). According to the developers, the technology has been continuously refined since 2021 through a series of operational experiments with Soldiers from the 101st at Fort Campbell, including operational tests in the U.S. and Romania.
Recently, Electronic Warfare Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division used the ADSR system during the Combined Resolve exercise at the 7th Army Training Command’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Germany. The system was further tested during the exercise, and training was provided to NATO and NATO-partner units.
“Electronic warfare units within BCTs (Brigade Combat Teams) are always looking for an edge when targeting the enemy,” said 1st Lt. Brenden Shutt, a cyber warfare officer with the 3rd I.D. “Sensing capabilities that provide a real-time understanding of the spectrum drive our efforts to identify the enemy’s electromagnetic signature so we can rapidly deliver effects on the battlefield. We rely on the continuous innovation of our tactics and technology to maintain dominance in electronic warfare.”
The real-world trial underscored the value of the Pathfinder program and projects like ADSR in bringing cutting-edge academic research into practical military applications. Senator Marsha Blackburn said that the ADSR would help ensure that American soldiers are equipped with the greatest tools and technologies that enhance their capabilities to defeat any enemy.
“The technologies we leveraged for the ADSR effort would likely never have seen the light of day were it not for Pathfinder,” said Adam Jay Harrison, Vanderbilt Distinguished Entrepreneur in Residence and member of the ADSR team. “It wasn’t until Pathfinder surfaced the Army’s specific operational need and provided a mechanism for soldier engagement that we discovered how our technology could be used to deliver a compelling solution.”
