BAE Systems to Innovate Electronic Warfare Jamming Technology for U.S. Army
November 12, 2019 | BAE SystemsEstimated reading time: 1 minute

BAE Systems was awarded research and development funding through the U.S. Army to create an advanced radar jamming technology. The technology aims to improve air survivability and mission effectiveness for U.S. Army rotary-wing aircraft and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) by detecting and defeating complex and unknown threats in electronic combat.
As part of the contract, BAE Systems FAST Labs™ research and development team will design technology to integrate adaptive radio frequency jamming and sensing capabilities into one system. Whereas today's electronic countermeasure systems are too bulky and heavy for most rotary-wing and UAS platforms, BAE Systems technology will combine multiple, software-programmable antennas into a digital phased array that will enable simultaneous functions, exceeding existing capabilities while reducing the size, weight, and power (SWaP) of current systems. The technology will enable these platforms to safely fly closer to threats and within contested areas while remaining protected.
"With the continuously evolving threat landscape, it's critical to provide the next-generation of digital phased array technology to better defend our armed forces in electronic warfare," said Chris Rappa, product line director for Radio Frequency, Electronic Warfare, and Advanced Electronics at BAE Systems FAST Labs. "Our technology will give the Army's rotary-wing aircraft and UAS a new, low SWaP system to securely and drastically increase their range of movements in future missions."
Research for this contract adds to BAE Systems' advanced electronics portfolio and is based on many years of investment on various programs with the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), U.S. Army, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), including DARPA's CONverged Collaborative Elements for RF Task Operations (CONCERTO) and DARPA's Radio Frequency Field Programmable Gate Arrays (RF-FPGA) programs. Work for the contract will be completed at the company's facilities in Nashua, New Hampshire and Merrimack, New Hampshire.
About FAST Labs™ R&D
The FAST Labs™ R&D group of BAE Systems pushes the limits of what is possible; to create advanced technologies that give our customers the edge they need to win and our employees the chance to change the world.
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Circus SE Set for High-Volume Market Entry in the Defense Sector
10/17/2025 | BUSINESS WIRECircus SE a global technology leader in AI robotics for autonomous nutrition systems and troop supply, is expanding its global production network as part of its high-volume market entry into the defense sector.
China Expands Rare Earth Export Restrictions, Tightening Grip on Global Supply Chains
10/16/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamChina sharply expanded its rare earth export restrictions on Oct. 9, adding additional elements and refining technologies to its control list while imposing stricter rules on foreign users in the defense and semiconductor industries.
SAMI Advanced Electronics Company Launches “Remal” Computer Manufacturing Project in Partnership with HP and Foxconn
10/15/2025 | SAMI-AECSAMI Advanced Electronics Company (SAMI-AEC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), proudly announced the launch of the “Remal” project for computer manufacturing, in strategic partnership with HP and Foxconn.
The Right Approach: Electro-Tek—A Williams Family Legacy, Part 1
10/15/2025 | Steve Williams -- Column: The Right ApproachThere is no bronze bust in the lobby or portrait in the conference room of Electro-Tek's founder—my Dad, Charles “Chuck” Williams—so with the facility closing last year after 56 years, I feel it is time to tell the story. Chuck Williams founded Electro-Tek in 1968 in our basement, eventually moving into the second floor of an old 1913 building in downtown Milwaukee that is still standing (the first of three eventual facilities).
LPKF Joins productronica’s 50th Anniversary, Showcasing Laser Technology for Electronics Manufacturing
10/10/2025 | LPKF Laser & ElectronicsLPKF Laser & Electronics invites visitors to productronica 2025 in Munich from November 18 to 21. At booth 305 in hall B2, the company will present its portfolio of modern laser technologies for the electronics industry live – from prototyping systems and high-performance depaneling to laser plastic welding for electronic housings and thin glass processing for advanced packaging.