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
Leonardo animated rectangle

 

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
BAE Systems awarded US Navy contract for APKWS laser-guidance kits

Defence

BAE Systems awarded US Navy contract for APKWS laser-guidance kits

11 December 2025

The US Navy has awarded BAE Systems a new five-year, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for APKWS laser-guidance kits to equip US armed forces with tens of thousands of additional low-cost precision munitions.

JFD Global to enhance Polish Navy

Defence Security

JFD Global to enhance Polish Navy's submarine rescue capability

11 December 2025

James Fisher (JFD Global) has secured a contract with PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, which will see JFD Global integrate a combined, hyperbaric and saturation diving system into the Polish Navy’s new salvage and rescue vessel, Ratownik.

Avon Protection receives European order for FM50 respirators

Defence Security

Avon Protection receives European order for FM50 respirators

11 December 2025

Avon Protection has received a new European order for FM50 respirators and FM61EU filters via the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) contract vehicle.

BAE Systems to modernise USS Forrest Sherman

Defence

BAE Systems to modernise USS Forrest Sherman

10 December 2025

BAE Systems has received a $123 million contract from the US Navy to modernise the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98).

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle
Rheinmetall to provide Trailblazer on UK

Defence

Rheinmetall to provide Trailblazer on UK's MLRS A2

10 December 2025

Rheinmetall UK have been awarded a contract by the NATO Support & Procurement Agency (NSPA) to provide Trailblazer Driver Vision and Local Situation Awareness System to the UK Ministry of Defence’s M270 A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) platform upgrade.

Babcock recruits record number of graduates and apprentices

Defence

Babcock recruits record number of graduates and apprentices

10 December 2025

Babcock has opened applications for its 2026 apprentice intake as it unveils the recruitment of a record number of graduates and apprentices across its UK business.

Advertisement
ODU RT