BAE Systems wins Lockheed Martin contract to supply F-35 electronic warfare systems

BAE Systems wins Lockheed Martin contract to supply F-35 electronic warfare systems
BAE Systems ©

BAE Systems has secured a contract from Lockheed Martin to deliver electronic warfare (EW) systems for the F-35 Lightning II, according to a company announcement. The order covers aircraft in Lots 20 to 22 and extends BAE’s long-running role in the Joint Strike Fighter programme.

Production and retrofit

Under the contract, BAE will build and deliver EW systems for the Lot 20-22 jets. It will also supply systems to retrofit and modernise older F-35s already in service.

The company says it is using automation, updated system designs and a stronger supply chain to speed up output. It has also invested in its facilities to build more systems at a faster rate.

The AN/ASQ-239 system

The AN/ASQ-239 gives the F-35 electromagnetic spectrum superiority through both defensive and offensive functions. It lets the aircraft operate in contested airspace defended by enemy fighters, missiles, drones and integrated air defence systems.

The system offers instantaneous bandwidth, high-speed signal processing and advanced algorithms to detect and respond to threats. Its passive, long-range sensing is designed to let pilots spot and act on threats before an adversary does. Operators can update it quickly through software.

Industry context

Amber Dolan, vice president of F-35 Solutions at BAE Systems, said the company has contributed since the programme began. “We’re laser-focused on scaling production and delivering software-based capabilities to meet the rapid pace of conflict,” she said.

BAE has delivered more than 1,500 EW systems for the F-35. It designs and manufactures them at sites in Austin, Texas, and in Manchester, Merrimack and Nashua, New Hampshire.

Learn more on BAE Systems’ website

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