$493M To Modernize Electronic Warfare Systems in 5th Generation Fighter

The most modern, cutting-edge fighter in the NATO fleet is set to receive a boost to its future warfighting capabilities as BAE systems received a nearly $500 million contract to revamp, upgrade, and "modernize" the electronic warfare (EW) system for the F-35 Lightning II. The changes are necessary, according to the tender, to allow the fighter to "quickly detect and address evolving electromagnetic threats in contested battlespaces". 

The change is a testament to the fast-paced evolution of aeronautical warfare, the fighter achieving operational status less than a decade ago. The deal will see BAE Systems deliver enhanced core hardware for the current EW mission system, the AN/ASQ-239, as well as engineering support and testing infrastructure. The completed EW suite will "improve superior situational awareness and electromagnetic attack and countermeasure capabilities with new sensors and more powerful signal processing," according to the contractor. A key portion of the design process is meant to include a robust, expandable design to retain a measure of future-proofing. Modular architecture is indeed a popular addition to military developments in recent history, especially in the already costly F-35 program. Rapid software updates and small, compact upgrade modules can alleviate lifecycle and retrofit costs, but more importantly respond to changing peer equipment developments. 

BAE will use their "EW 2.0 strategy" that they call a "world-class agile engineering, next-generation manufacturing, and reimagined sustainment solutions..." that "create the market's fastest pathway from the lab to the field, delivering systems that will keep warfighters safe from the threats of the future." The precedent set in part by the F-35's design-as-you-manufacture process seems to be alive and well, albeit with a few more high-tech buzzwords. The final result will include compatibility with the Non-Intrusive Electronic Warfare Test Solution (NIEWTS) system for fault identification and diagnostics, which should allow for precise troubleshooting in the field. Increasing operational readiness while decreasing the amount of time maintenance personnel have to play Sherlock has been a prime goal in the F-35 program, NIEWTS being essential in such a complex aircraft. 

“The capabilities we will deliver in this contract are foundational and will be leveraged to other platforms to ensure all warfighters have the most advanced EW capability at the ready,” said Lisa Aucoin, F-35 Solutions VP at BAE Systems. “The highly adaptable mission system will allow our warfighters to outpace evolving threats and defend democracy around the globe.”

FMI: www.baesystems.com