New systems add functionality to the F-35
AN/ASQ-239 and AN/ASQ-242 systems will be installed on the multi-role F-35 fighter.
BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are collaborating to install communications, navigation and EW systems on the F-35 Lightning II multi-role fighter.
Under an agreement between the three companies, they will integrate the AN/ASQ-242 Integrated Communications, Navigation and Identification (ICNI) system from Northrop Grumman and the and the AN/ASQ-239 EW countermeasures system from BAE Systems.
“This arrangement allows us to collectively provide enhanced capabilities without compromising the size, weight or power of the aircraft,” said Howard Lurie, vice president, F-35 programs, Northrop Grumman.
The ICNI system is based on software-defined radio technology, providing F-35 pilots with more than 27 fully integrated operational functions such as IFF, automatic acquisition of fly-to points, and various voice and data communications such as the Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) waveform.
AN/ASQ-239 is an EW suite that provides fully integrated radar warning, targeting support, and self-protection to detect and defeat threats and enable the F-35 to reach well-defended targets.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium trajectory continues to climb (updated 2026)]()
Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium trajectory continues to climb (updated 2026)
The medium airlift aircraft is swiftly becoming the top pick for an array of countries wishing to enhance their tactical transport capabilities.
-
![USAF’s T-7A Red Hawk programme progresses with low-rate production to start in 2026]()
USAF’s T-7A Red Hawk programme progresses with low-rate production to start in 2026
The T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer for the US Air Force reaching Milestone C is the first step towards production for the first batch of 14 aircraft, with training expected to start by 2028.
-
![Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story]()
Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story
The success of the Akinci drone stems from Turkey’s push for domestically produced components – which has led to fewer export restrictions – and from manufacturer Baykar’s willingness to coproduce the drone with customers’ domestic industries.
-
![Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030]()
Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030
Lithuania has committed significant funding towards expanding its UAV capabilities, with more than $54 million already spent and substantial additional investment planned through to 2029. Alongside domestic procurement, the country has also acquired various drones to support Ukraine.
-
![Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market]()
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.
