Navy purchases more electronic jammers to fight IEDs

The Navy plans to purchase additional countermeasure transmitters for the Counter Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare program.

The Navy has awarded Sierra Nevada a $65.8 million contract modification to furnish AN/PLT-5 countermeasure transmitters for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) efforts conducted through the Counter Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (CREW) program, the Defense Department said Aug. 31 in a news release.

The AN/PLT-5 countermeasure transmitters are electronic jamming systems that give EOD technicians protection from improvised explosive devices by preventing their detonation while the technicians are working in close proximity to their devices, according to DOD background information.

The contract, which is overseen by the Naval Surface Warfare Center’s Indian Head Division, will support EOD efforts by the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, the announcement said.