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
PTC rectangle

 

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
Military medics trial AI for the battlefield

Defence

Military medics trial AI for the battlefield

26 March 2026

Scientists from the UK and the US have tested and explored what it would take for medics to delegate high-stakes decisions to AI on the battlefield.

UK and US seek solutions to counter underwater drone threat

Defence

UK and US seek solutions to counter underwater drone threat

26 March 2026

The US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is seeking technology to counter unmanned underwater vehicle threats, for which UK companies can apply, with solutions assessed by jHub, for potential UK defence use.

MGI enhances engineering capability with F1 expertise

Defence

MGI enhances engineering capability with F1 expertise

26 March 2026

Witney based MGI Engineering (MGI) has bolstered its engineering capability with two key hires with F1 expertise to strengthen its capabilities and drive its growth in defence and other sectors.

UK to provide training and support for Turkish Typhoons

Defence

UK to provide training and support for Turkish Typhoons

26 March 2026

The UK Government has reached a major defence agreement with the Republic of Türkiye to provide training and support equipment and services for its recently ordered Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Serco to support British Army’s marine assets fleet

Defence

Serco to support British Army’s marine assets fleet

25 March 2026

Serco has been awarded a seven-year contract to provide in-service support for the British Army’s fleet of 512 marine vessels.

Rowden hosts British Army to explore operational tech delivery

Defence Events

Rowden hosts British Army to explore operational tech delivery

25 March 2026

British engineering firm Rowden hosted a visit by British Army Sergeant Majors to explore how collaboration between engineers and soldiers helps shape and deliver operational technology.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner