Lockheed Martin has awarded BAE Systems a contract to provide AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare suites for F-35 Lightning II fighters from production Lots 20 through 22. Although the contract value remains undisclosed, the work includes manufacturing and delivering new EW systems as well as supplying equipment for upgrades and retrofits of existing aircraft. These capabilities are intended to strengthen pilot situational awareness and aircraft self-protection. The AN/ASQ-239 uses passive long-range sensors and rapidly updatable software, supported by advanced algorithms, instantaneous bandwidth and high-speed signal processing for fast threat detection and response. BAE has supplied more than 1,500 such systems for the F-35 programme. According to Dolan, the company is “laser-focused on scaling production and delivering software-based capabilities to meet the rapid pace of conflict.” To meet demand, BAE is applying automation, incorporating the latest system designs, strengthening its supply chain and investing in manufacturing facilities. The programme’s design and production work is conducted in Austin, Texas, and at sites in Manchester, Merrimack and Nashua, New Hampshire.
