Electronic warfare system prototype for US Super Hornets to be built by Raytheon
Raytheon said its ADVEW offering would provide significant performance upgrades by modernising existing electronic warfare systems on the Super Hornet. (Photo: US DoD)
The new electronic warfare system prototype developed by Raytheon could replace the existing defensive electronic countermeasure and radar warning receiver systems equipped on the US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets.
The US Navy has awarded Raytheon a US$80 million contract for a prototype Advanced Electronic Warfare (ADVEW) for its F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet.
ADVEW will be considered as a replacement for the existing AN/ALQ-214 integrated defensive electronic countermeasure and AN/ALR-67(V)3 radar warning receiver.
‘These advancements are paving the way for the next generation of electronic warfare,’ said Bryan Rosselli, president of advanced products and solutions at Raytheon. ‘We are completely replacing and consolidating the legacy systems into a one-box solution that will deliver a generational refresh to the electronic warfare capability for the lifetime of the Super Hornet.’
According to the US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAI), the F/A-18 aircraft programme has resulted in a highly capable fighter across the full mission spectrum: air superiority, fighter escort, reconnaissance, aerial refuelling, close air support, air defence suppression and day/night precision strike.
The F/A-18E and F/A-18F aircraft have been designed to fulfil the present needs of navy fighter escort and interdiction missions. They also play a vital role in upholding air defence and providing close air support within the F/A-18 fleet. The enhancements integrated into the F/A-18E/F models encompass augmented range and enhanced carrier compatibility, designed to enable the F/A-18 to persist in its role as a strike fighter.
Raytheon said its ADVEW offering will provide significant performance upgrades by modernising existing EW systems into fewer components and incorporating government-defined open architecture.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Kratos Defense makes European CCA push with Airbus partnership]()
Kratos Defense makes European CCA push with Airbus partnership
Kratos’ XQ-58A Valkyrie will be equipped with an Airbus-made mission system to be offered as a ‘European’ collaborative combat aircraft option to the German Air Force.
-
![Anduril’s Barracuda-100M completes latest successful test flights]()
Anduril’s Barracuda-100M completes latest successful test flights
The munitions variant of the Barrauda-100 autonomous air vehicle is being tested for the US Army’s High-Speed Manoeuvrable Missile (HSMM) testbed programme, with further flight tests expected in 2026.
-
![“Gloves are off” as US Defense Secretary memo calls for sweeping drone procurement reform]()
“Gloves are off” as US Defense Secretary memo calls for sweeping drone procurement reform
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has promised to usher in a new era of “military drone dominance”.
-
![Norway cleared for possible $2.6 billion HH-60W helicopter FMS]()
Norway cleared for possible $2.6 billion HH-60W helicopter FMS
The possible sale for nine HH-60W by the US government could make Norway the first Foreign Military Sale customer for the rescue and combat helicopter and add to the country’s ongoing acquisition of Sikorsky-made helicopters.
