Leonardo SDR to equip NATO AWACS fleet
SWave SRT-800 software-defined radio. (Photo: Leonardo)
A new and improved SDR from Leonardo will be installed on NATO's AWACS fleet.
Boeing has chosen the new SWave SRT-800 from Leonardo as the software-defined radio (SDR) of choice for the NATO fleet of 14 E-3A Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.
As a compact and lightweight SDR, the SRT-800 can equip most manned or unmanned fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, Leonardo claimed in a 14 April announcement.
The AWACS fleet is one of the few military assets owned and operated by NATO, so it must maintain operational viability.
The SRT-800 will modernise the E-3A with secure and cyber-resilient air-to-air and air-to-ground connectivity. The SDR will be installed into the E-3A mission system, replacing avionics units such as UHF/VHF radio; SATCOM; the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System; and a crypto device.
SDRs are versatile and can be reconfigured via a software update without changing the hardware. This makes the radios adaptable and inexpensive.
NATO’s AWACS fleet has been adapted over time to keep up with technological and geopolitical changes. Leonardo claimed that its SRT-800 would enable the E-3As to continue secure communications until their expected out-of-service date in 2035.
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 Digital Battlespace
-
![Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool]()
Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool
Nomad can provide militaries with real-time intelligence, saving critical time on the battlefield.
-
![AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems]()
AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems
Taurus operates alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ Orion system which supports mission management across tens of thousands of manoeuvring forces, from squad leaders to battalion commanders.
-
![AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster]()
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster
The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
-
![AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end]()
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end
Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
-
![Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella]()
Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella
Turkey has joined the family of countries attempting to establish a multilayered air defence system with government approval in August 2024 for the effort landed by Aselsan. Dubbed Steel Dome, the programme joins Israel’s Iron Dome, the US Golden Dome, India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra and South Korea’s low-altitude missile defence system.
-
![DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system]()
DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system
MARSS’ NiDAR system has been deployed using sensors from static platforms to provide detection and protection for static sights, such as critical infrastructure, ports and military bases.
