ReconneX™ Defines the Next Era of Digital Electronic Support Measures
In today’s complex battlespace, threats often arise from the unseen electromagnetic spectrum. Quick, small, and low-flying adversaries can infiltrate borders and perimeters with little notice, necessitating advanced measures for defense forces. A growing focus is on transforming radio frequency (RF) data into actionable intelligence, allowing for early threat identification.
This urgent need has escalated the demand for digital electronic support measures (ESMs) capable of providing persistent passive sensing across extensive regions while integrating data among various operators, platforms, and allies. In numerous operational contexts, military forces require systems that remain on-site, continuously observe, and detect non-cooperative emitters, all while preserving mission awareness. This requirement is particularly critical in contested coastal operational environments, where tracking emitters, confirming contacts, ensuring emission control, and monitoring elusive targets is essential.
A New Era for ESM
L3Harris is at the forefront of establishing the next generation of digital electronic support measures with ReconneX™, an advanced ESM and electronic warfare system designed to deliver faster and more integrated situational awareness across the electromagnetic landscape. This innovation signifies a shift toward modernized approaches to sensing, understanding, and responding within the electromagnetic spectrum.
“ReconneX transforms passive sensing into more timely and precise mission insights,” stated Shawn Miller, President of Spectrum Superiority, Communications & Spectrum Dominance at L3Harris. “Traditional systems were built for different operational realities. Contemporary missions call for the capability to monitor increasingly crowded radio frequency environments, real-time threat identification, support for distributed operations, and timely information sharing across various platforms and users.”
ReconneX establishes a versatile digital ESM foundation applicable across a spectrum of missions and domains. Its common architecture can be adapted for maritime, coastal, terrestrial, and unmanned operations, enabling a cohesive view of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Creating a Unified Operational Picture
On the ground, sensors contribute to a collective understanding of spectrum activity.
“ReconneX is engineered to aggregate passive RF detections from the entire network into persistent tracks and more accurate geolocation. This awareness is then relayed directly to operators and mission systems,” expressed Patrick Creighton, Vice President of Electronic Warfare Division at L3Harris. “Commanders obtain a clearer and earlier comprehension of electronic warfare activities in their vicinity, while the forces maintain passive awareness across command and control.”
This ability to seamlessly connect sensing, processing, and action underscores the significance of digital architecture. By linking multiple sensors, operators can enhance tracking continuity, improve situational awareness, and foster greater confidence in their observations. This framework establishes ESM as a unified, mission-oriented capability suited for modern warfare.
Moreover, ReconneX integrates into existing operational architectures, allowing forces to overlay persistent spectrum awareness onto their current networks and systems while scaling coverage according to evolving mission requirements. This leads to a more efficient transition from needs identification to capability realization, paving the way for modernization that adapts to emerging threats.
From Insight to Strategic Advantage
When paired with Distributed Spectrum Collaboration and Operations (DiSCO™)-enabled technologies, operators can convert spectrum awareness into quicker operational insights. This facilitates more effective information sharing across connected systems and users, enhancing interoperability and expediting access to mission-critical information. Consequently, this approach strengthens the integration of spectrum intelligence throughout operations.
“Current mission parameters demand a more rapid and precise understanding of activities within the electromagnetic environment,” Miller added. “Whether assisting maritime surveillance, border security, countering UAV threats, or ensuring force protection, the objective remains the same: empowering operators to detect, monitor, and respond to threats with increased assurance.”
The future landscape of electronic support measures is characterized by digital connectivity, persistence, and multi-domain capability. ReconneX is designed for this future, equipping forces with a contemporary pathway to enhanced situational awareness, improved interoperability, and mission effectiveness that evolves to match the rapid changes in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Source: L3Harris (2026-11-02)
