State-of-the-art EW technology makes the F-35 difficult to detect and highly effective in contested environments
NASHUA, N.H., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BAE Systems (LON: BA) has received a contract from Lockheed Martin to deliver high-performance electronic warfare (EW) systems for F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, giving them unmatched situational awareness and self-protection on the battlefield. Building on a long-standing alliance with Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Joint Program Office, BAE Systems continues production at scale for the global F-35 fleet.
“We’ve been a trusted contributor since the origin of the Joint Strike Fighter program, and we’ve continuously evolved our EW hardware and software to maintain our warfighters’ decisive battlespace advantage,” said Amber Dolan, Vice President of F-35 Solutions at BAE Systems. “We’re laser-focused on scaling production and delivering software-based capabilities to meet the rapid pace of conflict.”
The AN/ASQ-239 EW system provides the F-35 with electromagnetic spectrum superiority. Its discriminating defensive and offensive capabilities enable the aircraft to operate effectively in challenging environments protected by enemy fighters, missiles, drones and the latest integrated air defense systems.
The innovative, agile system can be quickly updated by operators with software to give F-35s an edge against adversaries. It provides the jets with instantaneous bandwidth, high-speed signal processing and advanced algorithms to detect threats and respond quickly. Its passive, long-range sensing gives pilots the advantage of seeing and acting on threats first.
Under the contract, BAE Systems will manufacture and deliver EW systems for F-35 Lots 20-22 and provide systems to retrofit and modernize older aircraft. The company is using automation, the latest system designs and a robust supply chain to accelerate production. It has also made investments in its facilities to create and sustain more systems at even greater speed.
Equipped with its powerful EW system, the F-35 is a cornerstone of tactical airpower with a unique ability to gather, fuse and distribute information. The aircraft enhances global force strength by providing superior combat power and operational asymmetry.
BAE Systems has delivered more than 1,500 EW systems for the F-35. It designs and manufactures those systems at its facilities in Austin, Texas and the New Hampshire cities of Manchester, Merrimack and Nashua. For more information, visit www.baesystems.com/en-us/product/f-35.
For more information, please contact:
Mark Daly, BAE Systems
Mobile: 603-233-7636
mark.g.daly@baesystems.us
www.baesystems.com/en-us
@BAESystemsInc
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SOURCE BAE Systems, Inc.
