Fischer Applauds STRATCOM Launch of ETHEREAL FORGE

Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) issued the following statement on the launch of U.S. Strategic Command's (STRATCOM) Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Center's (JEC) new initiative, ETHEREAL FORGE, designed to accelerate the deployment of advanced electromagnetic warfare capabilities:

"Modern warfare is constantly evolving, and the JEC is on the forefront of next-generation capabilities," Fischer said. "ETHEREAL FORGE will streamline how our military leaders utilize spectrum and help us keep a strong warfighting advantage over our adversaries."

Through her roles on the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Fischer has secured significant investments and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) provisions supporting JEC and Joint Electronic Spectrum Operations (JEMSO).

In the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill, Fischer included $9 million for JEC to test and evaluate advanced electromagnetic warfare technologies.

In the Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA, Fischer designated STRATCOM's JEMSO office as the lead entity for coordinating evaluation of joint deployment Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DDS) technologies.

In the Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA, Fischer included a provision restructuring the Department of Defense's electronic warfare activities to more effectively align under the JEMSO office at STRATCOM.

Background

ETHEREAL FORGE supports the United States and its allies in maintaining a technological edge by focusing on Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) compatible systems. MOSA is a "plug-and-play" design approach that allows the Department of Defense to upgrade systems quickly and more affordably by using compatible parts from multiple manufacturers.

This initiative provides an operationally relevant environment to accelerate the maturation and fielding of software-centric electronic warfare capabilities, significantly reducing time-to-field.

By establishing a standardized infrastructure, this initiative enables a modular ecosystem that integrates flexible, best-of-breed applications, allowing operators to efficiently tailor EMS operations system configurations to mission-specific requirements.

Read more from STRATCOM here.