BAE Systems awarded Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II EW contract

BAE Systems has received a contract from Lockheed Martin to deliver high-performance electronic warfare (EW) systems for F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, giving them greater situational awareness and self-protection on the battlefield. Building on a long-standing alliance with Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Joint Program Office, BAE Systems continues production at scale for the global F-35 fleet.

Amber Dolan, Vice President of F-35 Solutions at BAE Systems said: “We’ve been a trusted contributor since the origin of the Joint Strike Fighter programme and we’ve continuously evolved our EW hardware and software to maintain our warfighters’ decisive battlespace advantage.

“We’re laser-focused on scaling production and delivering software-based capabilities to meet the rapid pace of conflict.”

How electromagnetic spectrum superiority enhances the F-35’s offensive and defensive capabilities

The AN/ASQ-239 EW system provides the F-35 with electromagnetic spectrum superiority. Its discriminating defensive and offensive capabilities enable the aircraft to operate effectively in challenging environments protected by enemy fighters, missiles, drones and the latest integrated air defence systems.

The innovative, agile system can be quickly updated by operators with software to give F-35s an edge against adversaries. It provides the jets with instantaneous bandwidth, high-speed signal processing and advanced algorithms to detect threats and respond quickly. Its passive, long-range sensing gives pilots the advantage of seeing and acting on threats first.

Manufacturing and supply advances to increase production of EW systems at pace

Under the contract, BAE Systems will manufacture and deliver EW systems for F-35 Lots 20-22 and provide systems to retrofit and modernise older aircraft. The company is using automation, the latest system designs and a robust supply chain to accelerate production. It has also made investments in its facilities to create and sustain more systems at even greater speed.

Equipped with its powerful EW system, the F-35 is a cornerstone of tactical airpower with a unique ability to gather, fuse and distribute information. The aircraft enhances global force strength by providing advanced combat power and operational asymmetry.

Building on a long-standing alliance with Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Joint Program Office, BAE Systems continues production at scale for the global F-35 fleet. It has delivered more than 1,500 EW systems for the F-35. It designs and manufactures those systems at its facilities in Austin, Texas and the New Hampshire cities of Manchester, Merrimack and Nashua in the US.