BAE Systems has secured a further contract from Lockheed Martin to supply electronic warfare systems for the F-35 Lightning II.
The order covers the AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare (EW) suite for F-35 production Lots 20 to 22, along with systems to retrofit and modernize older aircraft already in service. BAE Systems did not disclose the contract’s value or the number of systems to be supplied.
The AN/ASQ-239 is the F-35’s built-in EW suite, listening for radar and other signals around the aircraft, identifying threats and warning the pilot while supporting both self-protection and offensive electronic attack. Its passive, long-range sensing lets pilots detect threats without revealing the aircraft’s own position.
The system is designed to let the F-35 operate against enemy fighters, missiles, drones and modern integrated air defense networks. Much of its capability is software-based, so operators can update it quickly to counter new threats without waiting for hardware changes.
Amber Dolan, vice president of F-35 solutions at BAE Systems, said, “We’ve been a trusted contributor since the origin of the Joint Strike Fighter program, and we’ve continuously evolved our EW hardware and software to maintain our warfighters’ decisive battlespace advantage. We’re laser-focused on scaling production and delivering software-based capabilities to meet the rapid pace of conflict.”
BAE Systems has supplied the EW suite for every F-35 built and has now delivered more than 1,500 systems, up from about 800 in 2021 when it received its Lot 16 order. To keep pace with production, the company said it is using more automation, newer system designs and a broader supply chain, and has invested in its facilities.
The new order follows several years of work on an upgraded suite. In December 2021, Lockheed Martin awarded BAE Systems a US$493 million contract modification to develop new core hardware for the AN/ASQ-239 under the F-35’s Block 4 modernization, intended to improve the jet’s ability to detect hard-to-see threats and handle more of them at once.
BAE Systems designs and builds the systems at its facilities in Nashua, Manchester and Merrimack in New Hampshire, and in Austin, Texas. The company also supplies the F-35’s vehicle management computer, active inceptor controls and aft fuselage.
The F-35 is flown by the US Air Force, US Navy and US Marine Corps, as well as a growing number of allied air forces. BAE Systems said the contract supports the global F-35 fleet.
