BAE Systems has secured a major contract to supply the next-generation electronic warfare (EW) suite for the global F-35 Lightning II fleet, strengthening its position as a key technology partner in one of the world’s most advanced fighter programs. The upgraded EW system, designated AN/ASQ-239, enhances situational awareness, threat detection, and countermeasure capabilities across air, land, and maritime environments. The new system integrates state-of-the-art digital receivers, agile signal processing, and adaptive jamming capabilities to counter evolving radar and missile threats. Production will take place at BAE’s facilities in New Hampshire and Texas, with deliveries scheduled through the early 2030s. The upgrade supports all F-35 variants—A, B, and C—operated by the U.S. and allied forces. The program underscores BAE’s continued investment in open-architecture EW design, enabling rapid software updates and integration of future sensors. As electronic threats grow increasingly sophisticated, this contract reinforces the strategic importance of BAE’s role in securing the F-35’s information dominance, ensuring operational superiority in contested electromagnetic environments worldwide.
