Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • BAE Systems and USAF flight test SABER

Defence

BAE Systems and USAF flight test SABER

BAE Systems and the US Air Force (USAF) have successfully flight tested BAE Systems' advanced Small Adaptive Bank of Electronic Resources (SABER) technology, paving the way for a critical software upgrade to the EC-37B Compass Call, a next-generation electronic warfare aircraft.

Above: SABER is major technological advance for the USAF and its Compass Call weapon system.
Courtesy BAE Systems

Teams from both BAE Systems and the US Air Force conducted tests on 11 flights of an EC-130H from Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.

The SABER system is a major technological advance – transitioning from hardware to software-based electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) warfare capability for the USAF and its Compass Call weapon system. The system is built on a suite of software defined radios using an open system architecture and will provide the backbone of the EC-37B’s operating system.

Advertisement
ODU RT

“SABER allows flexibility to update systems without significant physical reconfiguration,” said Pam Potter, director of Electronic Attack Solutions at BAE Systems. “It also adapts to new applications as well as revisions to existing applications. It is the technology that will enable the U.S. Air Force to rapidly and proactively respond to emerging enemy threat systems.”

SABER complies with Department of Defense standards to embed protective measures during product design, as well as leverages an open architecture to enable hosting of various government contracted applications.

Additional SABER testing in 2021 will focus on simultaneity of engagement capacity, dynamic resource sharing, rapid integration, and operation of multiple additional applications. Work on SABER is being conducted at BAE Systems’ state-of-the-art facility in Hudson, N.H.
 

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Thales completes first X-Fire launcher firing tests

Defence

Thales completes first X-Fire launcher firing tests

26 May 2026

Thales has conducted live firings from the X-Fire launcher, developed in partnership with Soframe, which features a versatile architecture enabling it to engage deep-strike targets (150 km and beyond), using a wide range of munitions, whether sovereign or allied.

BAE Systems to upgrade US facilities

Defence

BAE Systems to upgrade US facilities

26 May 2026

BAE Systems is making a $135 million investment for facility enhancements in Austin, Texas and Hudson, New Hampshire, further strengthening the US defence industrial base.

BOREALIS goes live six months early

Defence Space

BOREALIS goes live six months early

26 May 2026

CGI has supported the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to achieve Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for BOREALIS, six months ahead of schedule.

RIAT 2026 cancelled

Aerospace Defence Security Events

RIAT 2026 cancelled

22 May 2026

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will now not be taking place, cancelled due to issues regarding access to the event - at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire - amid concerns over conflict in the Middle East.

Advertisement
ODU RT
ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

22 May 2026

ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space industries, has announced the appointment of Andy Williams as Scotland Director.

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

Aerospace Defence Security Space

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

22 May 2026

King’s College London and Cranfield University have announced that the two universities have signed an agreement as the first step towards a merger, with the aim of bringing the two institutions together from August 2027, which will support UK national capability and resilience.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner