Hiawatha Passive RF Threat Detection and Identification System

The evolving threat landscape presents operational challenges for Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), requiring advanced capabilities for situational awareness and rapid target engagement. AFSOC must autonomously detect, identify, and track adversarial targets with unprecedented speed and accuracy. To maintain operational dominance, agile kill chain solutions with in-situ processing—minimizing reliance on extended off-board systems—are critical for mission success across diverse theaters.AFSOC supports U.S. Joint Forces across Combatant Commands by delivering Special Operations Mobility, Strike, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), and Air-to-Ground capabilities. Modern conflict, including asymmetric tactics, drone warfare, and advanced adversary technologies, increases vulnerabilities across warfighting domains. These evolving threats underscore the need for reduced sensor-to-shooter timelines and enhanced situational awareness.Two primary challenges necessitate innovation:Shortened Sensor-to-Shooter Timeline – SOCOM and AFSOC require rapid autonomous detection and tracking of asymmetric threats to ensure global strike readiness.Enhanced Situational Awareness – Detecting and localizing adversarial personnel, weapons, and equipment in complex, dynamic environments is critical. Advanced ISR solutions leveraging Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and mobile fixed-site platforms are needed.This effort leverages Nokomis’ Hiawatha System in Package (H-SiP) RF sensor, an ultra-sensitive passive RF sensing system with -170 dBm sensitivity. The H-SiP sensor passively identifies low-power electronic emissions across land, air, and maritime domains. Whether deployed via UAS or mobile fixed-site platforms, this solution enhances warfighter lethality and survivability by enabling real-time ISR and rapid strategic targeting in contested environments.