BAE Systems receives contract for Italy's electronic attack aircraft

BAE Systems received a $12 million contract from L3Harris to modify two Gulfstream G550 aircraft into airborne electronic attack (EA) platforms for the Italian Air Force. The modifications are intended to enhance Italy's capabilities in disrupting enemy command and control, communication, navigation, and air defense systems.

Under the terms of the contract, BAE Systems will provide necessary hardware modifications for the aircraft, including racks, radomes, cables, and harnesses to support the integration of advanced electronic warfare mission systems. These enhancements aim to improve Italy's performance in the electromagnetic battlespace.

“This modification work is a critical step toward delivering advanced EA capabilities to the Italian Air Force,” said Cory Casalegno, director for Coalition Electronic Attack at BAE Systems. He emphasized that the provision of high-powered jamming capabilities to Italy broadens the strength of the global allied fleet and supports the mission of the U.S. Air Force.

BAE Systems' Enterprise Agreement (EA) mission systems leverage the G550 business jets' range, altitude, and endurance attributes, allowing for long-range jamming from safer operational distances. The systems aim to limit adversaries' situational awareness and disrupt their electromagnetic spectrum operations, aligning with U.S. Air Force capabilities.

BAE Systems has developed advanced EA mission systems for decades, evolving technology to address modern threats and redesigning hardware for various airframes while balancing high power output with size, weight, and power constraints.