American troops are evaluating advanced electronic warfare and reconnaissance equipment during the Combined Resolve military exercises at the Hohenfels training area in Germany.

The US Army has released photographs of soldiers from the 1st Armored Division operating the portable VMAX electronic warfare system alongside the Skydio X10 unmanned aerial vehicle.

The exercises are intended to practice the coordinated use of electronic warfare capabilities and aerial surveillance in simulated combat conditions.

VMAX is a backpack-mounted system that allows infantry units to monitor the electromagnetic environment, detect radio transmissions, identify signal sources and interfere with selected frequencies.

Its main advantage is the ability to provide electronic intelligence directly to troops operating on the front line, without requiring them to wait for information from higher command headquarters.

The equipment belongs to the US-developed VROD/VMAX family of electronic warfare systems.

Unlike conventional radio reconnaissance devices that only detect and analyze emissions, VMAX can also actively jam signals within designated frequency ranges.

According to the specifications cited in the report, the system weighs approximately 10 to 14 kilograms, depending on its configuration and components.

Its stated operating frequency range extends from 10 to 200 MHz, while modular amplifier options are available with power ratings of 5 and 100 watts.

The equipment is battery-powered and can be operated using a tablet or another compatible electronic device.

Its functions include radio monitoring, direction finding, transmitter geolocation and electronic signal suppression.

The Skydio X10 drone provides the aerial reconnaissance component of the combined system.

Equipped with high-resolution daylight cameras and a thermal imaging sensor, the aircraft can observe terrain and monitor activity under varying lighting conditions.

By employing VMAX and Skydio X10 together, American troops can coordinate visual surveillance from the air with electronic monitoring and jamming operations on the ground.

The Combined Resolve exercises allow soldiers to practice these capabilities within a shared tactical scenario.

The report also raises the possibility that portable US electronic warfare equipment of this type could eventually be used against Russian troops, making the VMAX system’s capabilities particularly relevant to the conflict in Ukraine.