Navy taps BAE Systems to provide electronic warfare (EW) avionics for F-35 combat jet in $77.5 million deal
PATUXENT RIVER NAS, Md. – U.S. Navy aerial warfare experts needed multifunction electronic warfare (EW) systems for F-35 fighter-bomber combat jets of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and allied foreign military forces. They found their solution from the BAE Systems Electronic Systems segment in Nashua, N.H.
Officials of the Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., announced a $77.5 million order to BAE Systems last week to provide 1,464 radio frequency (RF) countermeasures systems, as well as maintain and repair multi-function test stations for the F-35.
BAE Systems designs and builds the AN/ASQ-239 EW avionics to provide the F-35 with 360-degree situational awareness and end-to-end capabilities. 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 system makes the most of detection ranges and gives the F-35 pilot evasion, engagement, countermeasure, 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.
On this order BAE Systems will do the work in Nashua, Dover, and Londonderry, N.H.; Landenberg, Pa.; Topsfield and Chartley, Mass.; City of Industry and Carson, Calif; Hamilton, N.J.; and other U.S. locations, and should be finished by September 2023.
For more information contact BAE Systems Electronic Systems online at www.baesystems.com, or Naval Air Systems Command at www.navair.navy.mil.
John Keller | Editor-in-Chief
John Keller is the Editor-in-Chief, Military & Aerospace Electronics Magazine--provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronics and optoelectronic technologies in military, space and commercial aviation applications. John has been a member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since 1989 and chief editor since 1995.
