The US Navy is planning a major acquisition of airborne defense systems from Leonardo, aiming to equip its F-35 and F/A-18 aircraft fleets with thousands of state-of-the-art countermeasures. As per a notice released by the Naval Air Systems Command, the Navy will negotiate a fixed-price deal with Leonardo’s UK division, covering the production and supply of critical components and support infrastructure.
Once finalized, the agreement will see Leonardo deliver between 3,000 and 6,000 Active Expendable Decoys (AEDs) each year, along with spare parts, support tools, and field personnel for maintenance and training. A standout in the expected lineup is Leonardo’s BriteCloud system—a compact, battery-powered decoy that emits radio frequency signals to confuse incoming radar-guided missiles and provide an extra layer of protection for fighter pilots.
The BriteCloud is available in two primary configurations: a 55-mm cylindrical model weighing 1.1 kilograms and a slimmer, rectangular variant that is 155 millimeters long and weighs 0.5 kilograms. These decoys are designed to be ejected from standard flare or chaff dispensers, giving frontline aircraft an advanced edge in electronic warfare and survivability.
