Brenda Marie Rivers
BAE Systems has installed updated AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare systems into the nation’s fleet of F-35 Lightning II aircraft following efforts to expand the company’s manufacturing capacity.
BAE Systems said Thursday it previously invested $100M into an 80K-square foot facility, implemented automated manufacturing processes and increased its workforce by over 23 percent to support the AN/ASQ-239 production effort.
The defense firm has been delivering 11 updated AN/ASQ-239 systems per month to match the speed of aircraft production.
Deborah Norton, vice president of F-35 solutions at BAE Systems, said the firm has delivered around 400 of the EW platforms to date.
“This technology insertion gives the EW system room to grow, and will help the F-35 maintain its dominance of the electromagnetic spectrum,†she added.
The AN/ASQ-239 system has radar and targeting features and is designed for real-time situational awareness as well as countering, jamming or engaging threats.
