WASHINGTON — A new version of a ground-based communications jammer used to block adversaries’ satellite transmissions is ready to be used in combat operations, the U.S. Space Force announced March 13.
The Counter Communications System Block 10.2 was declared operational by the Space and Missile Systems Center’s special programs directorate. After testing the system over the past year, SMC on March 12 turned it over to the 4th Space Control Squadron based at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.
The CCS is a transportable electronic warfare system that temporarily denies adversary satellite communications. The U.S. Air Force first deployed the CCS in 2004 in response to electronic warfare systems that other countries were fielding to disrupt American satellites. An upgraded CCS Block 10.1 was developed in 2014.
L3Harris is the prime contractor for both versions 10.1 and 10.2. SMC said the newest update includes more frequency bands and other features to give operators more options to disrupt enemies’ satellite communications. The system will continue to be updated using agile software development methods, Col. Stephen Purdy, SMC special programs director, said in a statement.
The users of the CCS include Air National Guard units in California, Colorado and Florida, and Space Force active duty units like the 4th Space Control Squadron. Members of the Air National Guard, including some who are also civilian employees of L3Harris, worked on the development of the system.
Lt. Col. Steve Brogan, materiel leader of the SMC special programs directorate, explained that CCS 10.2 has reached what is called “initial operational capability,” which means units can start using it in actual operations. Brogan called CCS the “only offensive system in the United States Space Force arsenal.”
