BAE Systems announces Shadow EW payload line for small aircraft and drones

BAE Systems has launched a line of electronic warfare payloads weighing around 3 kilograms (7 pounds), meant to give small aircraft and drones electronic sensing, targeting, and deception capabilities.

According to the company, the Shadow EW range reflects a shift toward distributing electronic warfare across many platforms, including potentially expendable drones, instead of relying solely on specialised aircraft. No customer, integration contract, or host platform has been announced.

Three versions are planned with separate production timelines. Shadow EW 100, at 3.3 kilograms (7.2 pounds), is due for production in 2027, spans 70 MHz to 6 GHz, and draws under 150 watts. Shadow EW 120, planned for 2028, keeps similar size, weight, and power figures but extends coverage down to 5 MHz. Shadow EW 500 is expected in 2029; at approximately 3.2 kilograms (7 pounds), it is to cover 10 MHz to 18 GHz, add radio-frequency direction finding and geolocation to help locate enemy emitters, and draw up to 250 watts.

The payloads will use off-the-shelf processing hardware such as Nvidia Jetson Orin modules and programmable chips, and their open architecture is designed to let capabilities change through software updates. BAE Systems says this supports affordable, high-volume production, though unit prices and production targets have not been disclosed.

Manufacturing will take place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with software and design work in Nashua, New Hampshire. The company is entering a market for compact electronic warfare systems meant to accompany crewed fighters into contested airspace.