- 32 “Meadowlands” Counter Communication Systems have been commissioned by U.S. Space Force Combat Forces Command
- Rather than laser, microwave or plasma, the weapon is an electromagnetic beam
- Enemy satellites can be disabled and signals jammed using the weapon
A fleet of 32 “Meadowlands” Counter Communication Systems (CCS) is being assembled by US Space Force Combat Forces Command, which has just taken receipt of the first mobile electromagnetic warfare system.
While recent projectile-free weapons systems have employed lasers, microwaves, and ionized plasma gas, a Meadowlands unit – portable enough to be transported by air – uses targeted electromagnetic fields.
Electromagnetic warfare has proved successful in recent years, with Operation Midnight Hammer – the June 2025 US airstrikes on Iran – using the technology to create a “silence zone” over the country to facilitate the attack. By disrupting communications with the electromagnetic weapon on that occasion, targets were struck with minimal countermeasures deployed.
What does an Electromagnetic Weapon (EW) do?
Systems like Meadowlands CCS have the capability to interfere with enemy satellites and jam their signals (affecting uplink and downlink transfers). Described as being able to “detect, deny, disrupt, and degrade adversary capabilities” the technology can also change or disrupt target data, and generate confusion.
US Space Force Col. Angelo Fernandez is the commander of Mission Delta 3 – Space Electromagnetic Warfare, a unit dedicated to “training and equipping electromagnetic warfare professionals.”
He states: “Our Guardians are at the forefront of joint operations, so we are fielding capability that best enables their success and the success of the joint force. Every day, Space Force electromagnetic warfare forces become better organized, trained, equipped, and mentally prepared to operate in hostile environments.
The Meadowlands units are mounted on a six-wheel chassis, and appear to be intended for ground deployment using a separate tractor. They’re small enough to be deployed in harsh environments or behind front lines, and can be controlled remotely.
What is Space Force?
It was reported in February 2026 that Space Force was involved in Operation Midnight Hammer, which included gaining control of the electromagnet spectrum.
While sounding like a fictional arm of the military, Space Force was created in 2019 to protect U.S. interests in space. Operating under the Department of Air Defense, it is concerned with putting satellites into space, managing GPS, and tracking space debris. Its operatives are referred to as “Guardians.” These are recruited from the USAF, other branches of the military, or from civilian application pools.
(Conversely, NASA is concerned with exploration and scientific research, and is a civilian agency.)
Meadowlands CCS join existing high-powered microwaves, precision lasers within the arsenal of Space Force, which holds no kinetic weapons for deployment.
“This upgraded system enables us to more effectively and efficiently support the joint scheme of maneuver across the continuum of conflict,” said U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Ryan Skilling, 4th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron commander.
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