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Articles
Critical Defense News from PNA Technologies
The U.S. Department of War has prioritized Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding as a critical component for the survivability and operational readiness of its DDG ships, including the Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) and the next-generation DDG(X) classes.
EMI Shielding plays a strategic role in DDG Ships. EMI shielding on guided-missile destroyers (DDGs) serves to prevent electromagnetic radiation from interfering with sensitive onboard electronics, while also hardening systems against electromagnetic pulses (EMP). EMI Shielding also adds to the Protection of Combat Systems: Shielding is vital for the Aegis Combat System and high-power radars like the AN/SPY-6, ensuring they can operate without interference from the ship’s own high-energy emissions or external electronic warfare. For upcoming DDG(X) ships, EMI shielding is essential to manage the massive electrical power (up to 80MW) required for laser weapons and hypersonic missiles, which could otherwise disrupt nearby communication and navigation circuits.
Materials and Standards
The Department of War uses rigorous standards like MIL-STD-464C to define the baseline requirements for electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) on these platforms.
Copper remains the most reliable material for shielding due to its effectiveness in reducing both magnetic and electrical waves. Other solutions include metal mesh and foils for cables, conductive gaskets for doors and hatches, and hardened enclosures for the Combat Information Center (CIC). Amidst a 200% surge in silver prices as of January 2026, the Department of War is exploring alternative EMI gaskets and shielding components that maintain naval readiness without relying on high-cost precious metals.
Modernization Programs
DDG MOD 2.0: Includes the backfit of SEWIP Block 3 (Electronic Attack suite) onto DDG-51 Flight IIA ships, which requires advanced EMI shielding to protect the ship’s own sensors from its powerful non-kinetic defense systems. DDG(X) Development: The FY2026 budget allocates $133.5 million for research, part of which focuses on risk mitigation for the Integrated Power System (IPS) and its electromagnetic compatibility.
Electromagnetic and Stealth Protection
PNA utilizes composites which are used to create lightweight, high-performance shields for sensitive electronic suites. On DDG(X), this is vital for isolating the massive power requirements of the Integrated Power System (IPS) from delicate communication and radar arrays. PNA also utilizes materials that have Radar Absorbent Material Properties(RAM) coatings and structural components to reduce the ship’s radar cross-section (RCS). This is a core design requirement for the “swept-back” superstructure of the DDG(X) to enhance stealth in contested environments.
Structural and Environmental Survivability
Unlike traditional metallic shielding, PNA utilizes composites that are non-corrosive, which significantly reduces maintenance requirements in harsh maritime environments compared to galvanized steel or aluminum. These materials are engineered to provide high energy absorption, offering improved protection against kinetic threats and blast fragments for critical areas like the Combat Information Center (CIC) and vertical launch system (VLS) cells.
