BAE Systems to deliver electronic warfare systems for F-35 stealth fighters

BAE Systems has won a contract from Lockheed Martin to deliver advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems for the F-35 Lightning II. The agreement supports high-performance capabilities intended to improve situational awareness and self-protection for the fighter in contested environments. BAE said it will continue producing at scale for the global F-35 fleet, building on its role since the Joint Strike Fighter program began. The core equipment is the AN/ASQ-239 EW system, designed to provide electromagnetic spectrum superiority with both defensive and offensive functions against enemy fighters, missiles, drones, and integrated air defenses. Under the contract, BAE will manufacture and deliver EW systems for F-35 Lots 20–22 and retrofit and modernize older jets. The company said it has delivered more than 1,500 EW systems and makes the hardware in Austin, Texas, and in Manchester, Merrimack and Nashua, New Hampshire.