Issue Brief #12
November 9, 2001

MACE XI: Key to Improving Coalition Electronic Warfare

Each time America has been involved in military conflict, we have learned something new about our military capabilities, as well as those of our allies, coalition partners, and adversaries.  The 1999 air campaign over Kosovo was no different.  While there were some key successes in our military operations, there were also shortcomings.  One such shortcoming was clearly electronic warfare (EW), and more specifically, coalition EW.  Allied forces operated together only with great difficulty as the lack of interoperability among NATO forces hindered air operations.  In fact, some nations’ EW capabilities were woefully inadequate for engaging in coalition warfighting.

A main reason why this problem persists is because of a lack of realistic EW coalition training.  This can be improved by supporting, what is known as, MACE XI, a NATO exercise that the U.S. will host in September 2003.  Since 1978, NATO Sub Group 2 (SG/2) has conducted a series of EW trials.  Within a three-year cycle, both an infrared (Trial EMBOW) and a radio frequency (Trail MACE) test are held.  Generally, each NATO nation volunteers test management and analysis support for each exercise.  All ground asset specifications, flight test data, and effectiveness data are shared among the participating nations.

MACE XI will feature 10-12 NATO nations, each bringing aircraft outfitted with their latest airborne EW systems.  They operate against a sophisticated integrated air defense system (IADs) for the purpose of examining our ability to fight collaboratively against common threats.  Specifically, MACE XI will provide testing of self-protection systems, EW tactics, close in-jamming with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and coalition SEAD.  This exercise will greatly help NATO evaluate its EW deficiencies.

MACE XI will provide a unique opportunity to realistically test NATO EW capabilities.  From this trial, the U.S. can obtain clear data on how to better integrate with NATO and where to improve our EW technologies and tactics.  It is imperative that the Department of Defense (DoD) and Congress do not overlook the significance of MACE XI.  They must take concrete steps, including providing necessary funding in defense appropriations to ensure the U.S. and its NATO allies have unsurpassed EW capabilities.          

Joseph R. Pitts
Member of Congress

Electronic Warfare Working Group

Congressman Joe Pitts, Founder and Co-Chairman

420 Cannon House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

202 225-2411 phone    202 225-2013 fax