NG offers JCREW as defense against modern threats, including drones

In a recent X (formerly known as Twitter) post, Northrop Grumman highlighted the critical role of its Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (JCREW) technology, a groundbreaking advancement in safeguarding warfighters from remote-controlled improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

“Our JCREW counter-comms technology provides 360 degrees of protection to warfighters from remote-controlled IEDs and unmanned aerial systems,” Northrop Grumman stated, underscoring the comprehensive defense capabilities of this cutting-edge electronic warfare system.

Designed to shield soldiers on patrol, in vehicles, or in forward operating bases, the JCREW system represents a crucial element in the US military’s commitment to enhancing the safety of its personnel on the ground.

- ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW -

As the prime contractor for JCREW Increment 1 Block 1, Northrop Grumman employs advanced electronic warfare (EW) technologies to develop next-generation systems, particularly focusing on protecting troops from device-triggered IEDs. The company’s software-programmable jammers form a formidable line of defense, offering adaptable protection against a spectrum of threats.

The JCREW systems provide a protective barrier against enemy threats while ensuring seamless blue force communications. Spectrally aware and always operational, this counter-communications system delivers 360 degrees of protection, irrespective of the number of threats or inputs from external sources.

Photo by Derrick Bole

Speaking on the significance of JCREW, a Northrop Grumman spokesperson commented, “Our technology establishes a vital layer of defense, allowing warfighters to operate with confidence in diverse and dynamic operational environments.”

Northrop Grumman secured a full-rate production contract for JCREW in September 2017, marking a critical milestone in advancing electronic warfare capabilities for the military. The company has developed variants of the system, including dismounted, mounted, and fixed-site configurations, offering tailored protection for soldiers on foot, vehicles, and permanent structures.

Readers who wish to follow our weekly coverage can subscribe to the Weekly Defense Roundup.

If you wish to report a grammatical or factual error in this article, please let us know by using the online form.

Executive Editor

Support The Defence Blog

Independent reporting takes resources. Join us on Patreon.

Become a patron

More Like This

Northrop Grumman shows AiON counter-drone system at SOF Week

Northrop Grumman brought its AiON counter-drone command and control system to SOF Week 2026 in Tampa, Florida this week, showcasing the platform to an...

Northrop Grumman delivers its 1,000th SABR radar for the F-16

Northrop Grumman has delivered its 1,000th AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar, hitting a production milestone that reflects just how broadly the United States and...

Crane Aerospace brakes help Northrop’s combat drone pass key test

Northrop Grumman's YFQ-48A Talon Blue autonomous combat aircraft completed its first taxi test on May 14 at Mojave, California, moving under its own power...

Northrop Grumman wins $325M to develop drone that monitors hypersonic tests

The U.S. Army has awarded Northrop Grumman a $325.5 million contract to develop a high-altitude long-endurance drone specifically designed to collect test data from...

Northrop Grumman reports B-21 test milestone as program accelerates

Northrop Grumman announced on May 7 that the B-21 Raider Combined Test Force cut its 180-day test plan to 73 days and secured $11.8...

DARPA wants to replace GPS dependence with new class of sensors

Every GPS signal on the battlefield is a vulnerability waiting to be exploited, and Russia, China, and Iran have all demonstrated the willingness to...