Why artificial intelligence has secured its place in special forces' operations
The diverse use cases of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have been turning it into a critical tool for Special Operations Forces (SOF).
BAE’s EW systems for SOCOM C-130Js
BAE Systems has received a $67 million contract modification to provide new electronic warfare (EW) systems for the US Special Operations Command’s (SOCOM's) fleet of AC/MC-130J cargo transportation aircraft, the company announced on 12 July.
BAE has received the contract after a system design phase and technology demonstration.
Under the contract, BAE Systems will upgrade the aircraft’s survivability equipment with the Radio Frequency Countermeasure (RFCM) system that provides the ability to detect, identify, locate, deny, degrade, disrupt, and defeat various threats that aircrews encounter in hostile and challenging environments.
BAE will install the RFCM system on both the US Air Force’s AC-130J Ghostrider and MC-130J Commando II aircraft. The system expands the operational capabilities of the AC/MC-130J, allowing it to detect and defeat both surface and airborne threats. The RFCM system is a platform-level solution with fully integrated situational awareness, precision geo-location, and radio frequency countermeasure capabilities. The system penetrates modern integrated air defence systems, providing the fleet with rapid response capabilities to protect the aircrew.
The contract covers integration and installation of EW systems into the AC/MC-130J aircraft over the next 30 months. If all options are exercised, the total value of the contract could exceed $300 million.
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