BAE Systems Unveils Plans to Enhance F-35 Electronic Warfare Technology

BAE Systems has secured a $493 million contract enhancement from Lockheed Martin to substantially upgrade and modernize the electronic warfare (EW) platform for the F-35 Lightning II, empowering the fifth-generation combat aircraft to swiftly identify and respond to emerging electromagnetic threats in contested environments.

As part of this agreement, BAE Systems will supply improved and highly proficient core components for the F-35’s advanced EW mission system, referred to as AN/ASQ-239, and will offer engineering assistance and testing infrastructure. The enhanced system will bolster exceptional situational awareness along with electromagnetic assault and countermeasure capabilities through the introduction of new sensors and advanced signal processing.

“The features we will provide through this contract are essential and will be utilized across various platforms to ensure that all military personnel have access to top-tier EW capabilities,” stated Lisa Aucoin, vice president of F-35 Solutions at BAE Systems. “The highly versatile mission system will enable our forces to outpace evolving dangers and defend democracy worldwide.”

The upgraded electronic warfare solution’s robust architecture will facilitate rapid future enhancements, in line with the U.S. Department of Defense’s strategy for ongoing capability progression. The system’s modular framework will also allow for seamless hardware enhancements that minimize lifecycle and retrofitting expenses, along with enabling quicker software upgrades throughout the global F-35 fleet. Additionally, the system includes the Non-Intrusive Electronic Warfare Test Solution (NIEWTS) fault isolation and diagnostics feature, which allows for accurate troubleshooting that further lessens maintenance costs.

BAE Systems stands as a leader in integrated, full-spectrum, multi-domain EW systems for defense and assault roles across various domains. Through the company’s Extreme EW 2.0 (EWX) initiative, its state-of-the-art agile engineering, next-gen manufacturing, and reimagined sustainment solutions are creating the fastest route from laboratory to operational field, thereby delivering systems that ensure the safety of military personnel against the challenges of tomorrow.

BAE Systems is a key global ally to Lockheed Martin within the F-35 initiative. Beyond supplying top-tier EW systems, the firm also constructs the aft fuselage, active inceptor control system, and vehicle management computer for every F-35 in cutting-edge manufacturing facilities located in the U.K., Australia, and the U.S. Additionally, the company provides sustainability, technical support, and training services to maintain the F-35s in mission-ready condition.