BAE Systems to provide electronic warfare (EW) radar and missile countermeasures avionics for F-35 jets

The BAE Systems Electronic Systems segment in Nashua, N.H., has received $491 million in contracts from Lockheed Martin to produce AN/ASQ-239 block 4 electronic warfare (EW) systems for future Lot 17 F-35 Lightning II jet fighter bombers, BAE Systems officials say.

The AN/ASQ-239 provides offensive and defensive options to enable the F-35 to identify, monitor, analyze, and respond to threats like radar-guided anti-aircraft missile batteries and air-search radars. The Lockheed Martin Aeronautics segment in Fort Worth, Texas, is the F-35 prime contractor.

The system makes the most of detection ranges and gives the F-35 pilot evasion, engagement, countermeasures, and jamming options. The AN/ASQ-239 provides broadband protection to help the F-35 reach well-defended targets and suppress enemy radars.

This system can operate in signal-dense environments and provide the F-35 with radio frequency and infrared countermeasures, and rapid response capabilities. The AN/ASQ-239 has an electronics architecture that enables designers to add new capabilities.

The AN/ASQ-239 has integrated radar warning, targeting support, and countermeasures; reduced long-term life cycle cost; increased situational awareness; rapid response capabilities to protect the aircrew; threat warning; and ability to reach well-defended targets.

The block 4 EW systems will include upgraded hardware and software that improves sensing and signal-processing capabilities. New high-performance sensors will boost the system’s ability to detect difficult-to-observe threats and more threats simultaneously.

The AN/ASQ-239 provides F-35s with integrated offensive and defense EW capabilities, including long-range threat warning, self-protection, and targeting support.