(U.S. Navy)
Lockheed Martin has awarded BAE Systems a five-year deal to manage the AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare (EW) system for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. Under the contract, announced Tuesday, BAE will handle supply chain logistics and ensure mission readiness.
“As a leader in EW systems for the world’s most advanced aircraft, we understand how critical readiness is for our customers,” Betsy Warren, BAE’s director of F-35 sustainment, said in a statement. “We’ll ensure that the F-35 EW supply chain is in place for Lockheed Martin and the Department of Defense.”
The always-active AN/ASQ-236 system integrates with other F-35 avionics to provide offensive and defense capabilities. The suite includes advanced sensors to maximize range detection and provide options for engaging or countering jamming threats as well as RF and infrared countermeasures.
BAE is responsible for maintaining regional warehouses stocked with critical EW components to rapidly deploy EW system upgrades as needed.
This was originally published on DefenseDaily.