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)
Lockheed Martin has contracted BAE Systems to upgrade the F-35’s EW system.
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
-
![Leonardo plans to fly uncrewed fighters alongside M-346 aircraft by mid-2026]()
Leonardo plans to fly uncrewed fighters alongside M-346 aircraft by mid-2026
The two uncrewed fighter aircraft will be made in conjunction with Baykar, which joined forces with Leonardo under LBA Systems in June 2025 to develop and produce uncrewed aerial systems for the international market.
-
![UK firm Skycutter comes out top in first US Drone Dominance Program competition]()
UK firm Skycutter comes out top in first US Drone Dominance Program competition
The startup was the only UK company to take part in the first Gauntlet for the programme, joining forces with its Ukraine partner to participate in the event.
-
![Robinson launches new uncrewed aircraft business unit, unveils new UAS cargo platform]()
Robinson launches new uncrewed aircraft business unit, unveils new UAS cargo platform
The new entity incorporates crewed and uncrewed capabilities to tackle a variety of mission demands in both defence and commercial markets.
-
![US plans to raise defence production by 300% but multiple uncertainties remain]()
US plans to raise defence production by 300% but multiple uncertainties remain
The strategy, schedule and budget to support Washington’s intention to speed up the manufacturing of defence capabilities remain unclear.
-
![Switzerland faces procurement shake-up with reduced F-35 buy and five-year Patriot delays]()
Switzerland faces procurement shake-up with reduced F-35 buy and five-year Patriot delays
The reduction in the number of planned F-35A aircraft from 36 to 30 by the Swiss government comes due to budget constraints, with no firm plans to fill the gap despite “negative consequences”.
-
![What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?]()
What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?
The USAF plans to phase out its 162 in-operation A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs by the end of FY2026, replacing them with F-35As which will bring a leap in capabilities in terms of lethality, survivability and speed.
