BAE Systems to advance F-35 EW systems
BAE Systems will outfit F-35s, like this one, with its EW system, AN/ASQ-239. (Photo: US Air Force)
BAE Systems received a contract modification valued at $493 million from Lockheed Martin to significantly upgrade and modernise the EW system for the F-35 Lightning II.
This modernisation will enable the fifth-generation fighter to quickly detect and address evolving electromagnetic threats in a contested battlespace.
BAE Systems will deliver enhanced and highly capable core hardware for the F-35’s high-performance EW mission system, known as AN/ASQ-239, and provide engineering support and test infrastructure.
The upgraded system will improve superior situational awareness and electromagnetic attack and countermeasure capabilities with new sensors and more powerful signal processing.
Its robust design will enable rapid future upgrades, aligning with the US DoD’s strategy for continuous capability development.
The system’s modular architecture will also allow for efficient hardware upgrades that reduce lifecycle and retrofit costs, and support faster software updates across the global F-35 fleet.
The system also includes the Non-Intrusive EQ Test Solution fault isolation and diagnostic capability, which enables precise troubleshooting that further reduces maintenance costs.
BAE Systems is developing next-generation EW capabilities through its Extreme EW 2.0 strategy.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities is set to become a market differentiator for fighter aircraft, allowing 4.5-5th generation platforms to remain relevant to the battlefield.
-
Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service
The Kuiper Network enables organizations to buy, rather than build, applications that serve mission needs at mission speed.
-
DSEI 2025: Helsing and Systematic join forces to revolutionise drone recce-strike missions
The partnership will integrate Helsing’s AI-powered systems with the Systematic SitaWare suite of C4ISR currently used by more than 50 nations, enabling faster data exchange between ISR UAVs and Helsing’s HX-2 loitering munitions.
-
DSEI 2025: UK launches Project Octopus to deliver thousands of interceptor drones to Ukraine
The programme will work to build and deploy the drones to Ukraine to support its fight against Russia, coming a day after Poland shot down 19 Russian drones in its airspace.
-
DSEI 2025: NATO members evaluate Black Widow UAV as it joins NSPA catalogue
The addition of Red Cat’s Black Widow to NATO’s NSPA catalogue opens the doors for allied forces to more easily procure the AI-enabled drone.