BAE Systems Secures Electronic Warfare Contract for Next Batch of F-35 Fighters
New production contract covers Lots 20–22 and upgrades for older aircraft, reinforcing the F-35’s electronic warfare and threat-detection capabilities.
AeroMorning – John Smith — October 9, 2026
BAE Systems secured a contract from Lockheed Martin—announced on 6 October 2026 via the press release “Delivering electronic warfare systems for F-35 stealth fighters”—to supply AN/ASQ-239 Electronic Warfare (EW) systems for production Lots 20–22 of the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter and for the modernisation of in-service aircraft. The financial value and delivery schedule were not disclosed. This order extends BAE Systems’ role as the programme’s EW provider, bringing its total delivered systems to over 1,500.
AN/ASQ-239: Passive Threat Detection
Developed and manufactered by BAE Systems (at facilities in Austin, Texas, and Manchester, Merrimack, and Nashua, New Hampshire), the integrated AN/ASQ-239 suite combines electronic support, protection, and attack functions to enhance aircraft survivability against airborne and ground-based threats.
A key advantage is its passive detection capability: rather than solely relying on the aircraft’s radar, it receives and processes radio-frequency energy emitted by hostile radars and electronic systems without transmitting its own radar signal. By analysing characteristics of these emissions (from air-defence, fighter, or other hostile radars), the system identifies threat types, monitors activity, estimates locations, and provides a 360-degree view of the electromagnetic battlespace. While passive detection aids stealth by limiting active signatures, effectiveness depends on present signals, the environment, and threat characteristics.
Tactical Awareness and Sensor Fusion
Processing algorithms translate electromagnetic measurements into operational decisions by supporting emitter identification, tracking, and geolocation, mapping threats relative to the aircraft’s position. This feeds into the F-35’s sensor-fusion architecture, complementing radar and electro-optical data so pilots understand the tactical situation without interpreting feeds independently. This improves situational awareness, allowing rapid responses—such as altering course, avoiding defended areas, using other onboard sensors, coordinating with allied forces, or deploying countermeasures—establishing the F-35 as both a self-protected vehicle and an information-gathering/sharing platform.
Electronic Protection, Countermeasures, and Modernization
The suite incorporates electronic protection capabilities designed to maintain the effectiveness of the aircraft’s electronic systems in the presence of hostile emissions and interference, as well as electronic attack capabilities intended to disrupt or degrade adversary systems. It also supports countermeasures designed to enhance the aircraft’s survivability against electromagnetic and other threats. While precise techniques, performance parameters, and engagement logic remain undisclosed, BAE Systems also highlights the suite’s software-upgradeable architecture. As new threats emerge, software and hardware improvements can introduce additional capabilities or enhance existing functions. The company specifically identifies its Digital Channelized Receiver Techniques Generator and Tuner Insertion Program (DTIP) technology—which enhances digital signal processing and adapts reception to relevant radiofrequency signals—as part of the AN/ASQ-239 modernisation effort
Scaling Production and Fleet Modernization
To fulfill the contract for new builds and retrofits, BAE Systems is increasing production capacity using automation, updated designs, supply-chain measures, and facility investments. Ultimately, the order highlights that modern air survivability depends jointly on low radar signatures, electromagnetic environment interpretation, and rapid response.
