Army Tests New Expeditionary Cyberwarfare Systems
The service is developing a new suite of tactical tools to enhance offensive and defensive cross-domain cyber capabilities.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Cybersecurity
Live Poll
Should the U.S. increase investment in offensive and defensive cyberwarfare capabilities?
In October 2026, the U.S. Army Project Manager Cyberwarfare directorate advanced the development of a new suite of expeditionary cyberwarfare systems. The project currently remains in the research-stage, focusing on prototyping systems based on the Tactical Cyber Equipment Radiofrequency Delivery Effects Platform.
Why it matters
This initiative aims to bolster offensive and defensive cross-domain cyber capabilities for expeditionary operations. By integrating soldier feedback into early-stage hardware, the Army seeks to improve the practical deployment of specialized cyber equipment.
The Army tested 3 main program elements during its October 2026 soldier touchpoint event. These prototypes are being refined through developer collaborations to support various form factors, including man-packable equipment.
The players
Project Manager Cyberwarfare
An Army directorate responsible for the acquisition and development of offensive and defensive cyber mission systems.
11th Cyber Battalion
An operational unit tasked with executing full-spectrum cyberspace operations and integrating new tactical equipment.
Army Combat Capabilities Development Command C5ISR Center
A research entity that develops and integrates sensors and cyber systems for battlefield awareness.
David Bergmann
An Army Colonel overseeing the development and implementation of the new cyberwarfare system family.
The details
The program centers on the Tactical Cyber Equipment Radiofrequency Delivery Effects Platform, a framework designed to transmit cyber effects over radio waves. During the October 2026 touchpoint, soldiers with the 11th Cyber Battalion and researchers from the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command C5ISR Center—a division focused on command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance technologies—evaluated man-packable prototypes. These systems are being developed in multiple form factors to allow for flexible, cross-domain operations in the field.
Timeline
October 2026: Soldiers participated in the touchpoint event for the program's equipment.
October 12, 2026: Colonel David Bergmann discussed the development program in an interview.
The Tech Race
The program represents a shift toward specialized, cross-domain cyber equipment intended to match modern electronic warfare requirements. It follows the development of the Tactical Cyber Equipment Radiofrequency Delivery Effects Platform as the Army attempts to standardize its expeditionary cyber gear.
This development currently impacts military cyber personnel who act as the primary test users for new man-packable prototypes. Future fielding of these systems will change the workflow for tactical units requiring expeditionary, cross-domain cyber offensive or defensive capabilities.
The takeaway
The Army is currently iterating on three distinct cyber-platform elements based on early soldier feedback gathered in October 2026. Interested observers should monitor future updates from the Program Executive for Intelligence and Spectrum Warfare for transition timelines toward full-scale deployment.
Further reading
For broader trends in military digital operations, explore the Cybersecurity section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Janes.
Live Poll
Should the U.S. increase investment in offensive and defensive cyberwarfare capabilities?
