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BAE Systems will produce Block 4 electronic warfare systems for future Lot 17 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets under a $491 million contract deal with Lockheed Martin.
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The British multinational defence and aerospace company has already delivered 1,200 F-35 EW systems to date, and the new electronic warfare systems are expected to include hardware and software improvements for sensing and signal-processing capabilities.
BAE Systems F-35 Solutions vice-president Lisa Aucoin said the powerful Block 4 systems will accelerate the delivery of advanced EW capabilities to warfighters by combining adaptable hardware and incremental software updates.
“The Block 4 EW system will offer greater situational awareness, enhanced survivability, and increased capabilities to counter modern threats, and is upgradable to address evolving threats,” she said.
“Our adaptable EW system will help warfighters execute missions today and into the future, and will reduce engineering and sustainment costs for the US Department of Defense and its allies.”
The AN/ASQ-239 system is designed and manufactured at BAE Systems’ facilities in the United Kingdom. The system includes long-range threat warning, self-protection, and targeting support with 360-degree, full-spectrum situational awareness and rapid-response capabilities.
“Our modern facilities allow us to manufacture complex, intricate electronics at scale to deliver an affordable EW capability,” said Chris Rossi, director of F-35 production at BAE Systems.
“The flexibility of our active production line will allow us to seamlessly transition to the Block 4 design without skipping a beat.”
Earlier this month, on 4 April, Lockheed Martin and F-35 Joint Program Office signed a £147 million LANCE 23-27 contract to support the United Kingdom’s F-35 Lightning II fleet.
BAE Systems will serve as the primary subcontractor to Lockheed Martin, providing the majority of personnel at Royal Air Force Marham and in deployed locations as required.
Lockheed Martin sustainment senior program manager Mark Perreault said the company is proud to partner with BAE Systems and Lightning Team UK to support the UK’s F-35 fleet.
“The industry team worked closely with the Lightning Delivery Team and the JPO to provide a contract that will support the Lightning Force operations and the increasing inventory of jets,” he said.
“The services and expertise being provided via the LANCE effort will be integral to the daily operations and readiness of the Lightning squadrons of the Royal Navy and RAF.”
BAE Systems Air Sector head of UK F-35 Sustainment, Dave Leach, said BAE Systems will support the continued growth of the UK Lightning Force over the coming years through the provision of industry skills and expertise on the F-35, along with partner Lockheed Martin.
