BAE Systems wins contract for F-35 electronic warfare systems on Lots 20-22

BAE Systems has won another contract from Lockheed Martin to supply electronic warfare systems for the F-35 Lightning II, covering production lots 20 through 22. The deal, announced on 6 October, also includes upgrades to modernise older aircraft in the fleet.

BAE will deliver its AN/ASQ-239 electronic countermeasure system for jets in those three lots, none of which have entered production. The contract value and the number of systems covered were not disclosed. Since 2024, Lockheed has received just over $4.5 billion in contracts tied to lots 20-22, largely for long-lead items. Aircraft under lots 18 and 19, covering nearly 300 jets, are currently being delivered.

According to BAE, the ASQ-239 gives pilots radar warning, targeting support and electronic countermeasures in one package, with radio frequency and infrared countermeasures and the ability to take on new capabilities through software updates. More than 1,500 electronic warfare systems have been delivered across the global F-35 programme, beginning with the original Block 1 aircraft.

Amber Dolan, BAE's vice-president of F-35 solutions, said the company has contributed since the origin of the Joint Strike Fighter programme and has continued to update its electronic warfare hardware and software. In December 2021, Lockheed awarded BAE a $493 million contract modification to upgrade core AN/ASQ-239 hardware under the F-35 Block 4 modernisation effort, which aims to improve the aircraft's multi-threat defence capabilities.