Sypris Wins Electronic Warfare Program

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Sypris Electronics, LLC, a subsidiary of Sypris Solutions, Inc., announced that it has recently received a full-rate production award from a U.S. DOD prime contractor to manufacture and test multiple electronic power supply modules for a large mission-critical U.S. Navy program. Production is expected to begin in the second half of 2021. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The program is an electronic warfare improvement program for the U.S. Navy. The upgrade will provide the capability to actively jam incoming missiles that threaten a warship, cue decoys, and adapt quickly to evolving threats. The improvements to the electronic attack portion will provide integrated countermeasures against radio frequency-guided threats and extended frequency range coverage according to the Navy.

The system is software-defined, meaning that, unlike analog radars of the past, the transmitters and receivers can easily adjust to send and receive different waveforms and allow the system to be more easily adaptable.

The adaptability for active electronic attack comes as foreign aggressors are developing several new classes of missiles simultaneously at a significant rate. Systems like this program and new directed energy weapons are part of the Navy’s bet to improve the odds of survival in conflict without having to invest in expensive new missile systems.

The system’s game-changing capability for non-kinetic electronic attack options has the potential to do much more. From advanced communications to multi-role waveforms, the multi-function applications of the system will provide enhanced mission capabilities to the U.S. Navy Fleet while presenting opportunities for future reductions in cost, size, weight, and power according to the U.S. Naval Institute. 

“This award provides for the transition to full-rate production from low-rate initial production now that the operational test and evaluation phase has been successfully completed,” said Jim Long, Vice President & General Manager of Sypris Electronics. “Our customer is a worldwide leader in creating and delivering military radar, sensors and related products. We are excited to have this opportunity to grow our relationship with this important customer.”