U.S. military agencies have in recent months awarded contracts for technologies and services related to electronic warfare as warfighters increasingly rely on tools that contain computer chips and process data, J.R. Wilson writes for Military Aerospace and Electronics.

Wilson traces the history of electronic warfare back to the 1800s, when military forces sought to cut off the enemy’s access to communications via telegraph.

Electronic warfare has now shifted to radios, spectrum and the cyber realm and military leaders such as Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert have highlighted this technological battle in their long-term budget plans, according to Wilson’s story.

In line with that strategy, the military has sought the help of GovCon firms for new innovations and tools for electronic warfare.

Sotera Defense Solutions will take in up to $97.6 million to make software for the Army to not only manage field equipment but also defend against radio frequency threats from adversaries.

Boeing has designed the P-8A Poseidon and EA-18G Growler aircraft specifically for electronic warfare and to also carry out maritime surveillance, anti-submarine and anti-surface missions.

The company is building 13 Poseidons and acquiring long-lead parts for 16 planes under a $2 billion modification awarded in August, while Australia plans to acquire 12 Growlers as part of a $4 billion sale.

Air Force Col. Keith Bearden, director of program development and integration at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, highlighted the military’s current budget challenges as technologies and threats evolve in an interview with Military Aerospace and Electronics.

“We only have X amount of money to spend, so you have to make sure you spend it on the right thing,” Bearden told the website.

“We do a lot of the analysis and trade space work to bring the leadership alternatives on where to put our dollars.”