US rolls out $1 billion F-35 electronic warfare retrofit contract for its armed forces, foreign operators

The United States is significantly bolstering the electronic warfare capabilities of its premier fifth-generation stealth fighter, the F-35 Lightning II. A substantial contract, valued at nearly $1 billion, has been awarded to Lockheed Martin for the production and delivery of 432 modification kits. This initiative is crucial for maintaining the F-35 fleet's technological edge, particularly in increasingly contested airspace.

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Block 4 modernisation - over 70 major upgrades for all three F-35 variants - is the most significant evolution of F-35 capabilities to date, including increased missile capacity, advanced electronic warfare capabilities, improved target recognition and other, classified capabilities.

This upgrade program is intrinsically linked to the F-35's evolving Block 4 modernization package. This comprehensive update introduces over 70 major enhancements across all three F-35 variants, promising increased missile capacity, advanced electronic warfare functions, and improved target recognition, among other classified capabilities. The investment ensures that the F-35 remains a formidable asset for the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy, as well as for the numerous international partners who rely on this advanced platform.

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Block 4 capability upgrades benefit all nations operating the F-35.

The focus on electronic warfare modernization is particularly noteworthy. The F-35 currently utilizes the sophisticated AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare suite, developed by BAE Systems, which provides 360-degree situational awareness and critical threat response capabilities. These new kits are expected to further enhance this system, ensuring pilots can effectively identify, monitor, analyze, and respond to a wide spectrum of threats in complex signal environments.

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Always active, AN/ASQ-239 provides all-aspect, broadband protection to help the F-35 reach well-defended targets and suppress enemy radars.

This strategic enhancement comes at a critical juncture, with ongoing geopolitical tensions and reports of F-35s operating in sensitive regions. By investing in advanced electronic warfare, the U.S. and its allies are reinforcing their ability to project power and maintain air superiority, underscoring the F-35's role as a cornerstone of modern air combat capabilities. The program's global reach, encompassing both U.S. forces and foreign military sales customers, highlights the collaborative nature of maintaining technological superiority in defense.

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The company further said the suite delivers "radio frequency and infrared countermeasures and rapid response capabilities like no other aircraft."