BAE Systems Successfully Tests Compact Modular Electromagnetic Attack System

Electromagnetic attack capability proven in UAV-mounted flight tests
Enhanced counter-C5ISRT response through distributed operations

British defense company BAE Systems has demonstrated its electromagnetic attack (EA, Electronic Attack) capabilities in multiple test and evaluation events with a modular electromagnetic attack system that miniaturizes high-performance electronic warfare hardware.

BAE Systems showcased a modular airborne electronic warfare capability during a U.S. Air Force test and evaluation. Provided by BAE Systems

According to the company, the system is designed to neutralize enemy air defense networks and disrupt the electromagnetic spectrum used for battlefield command-and-control systems. When installed on multiple platforms performing different missions, it can deliver concentrated electromagnetic effects through distributed operations.

This demonstration was conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force and related agencies. The modular prototype was mounted on the weapon pod of a test aircraft simulating Group 4 and Group 5 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), and flight tests were carried out. Through this, the company verified its ability to rapidly build prototype small electromagnetic attack systems that can reliably run previously validated counter-C5ISRT (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting) software, as well as external software.

Lori Doughty, program manager for modular electromagnetic attack, said, "We are demonstrating to the military that existing high-performance electromagnetic attack hardware can be miniaturized and redesigned to fit small nodes within the network," adding, "We are effectively combining high-value precision assets with low-cost assets to deliver mission-focused effects on the battlefield."

This modular system is based on BAE Systems' core technology for high-power airborne electromagnetic attack weapon systems designed for counter-C5ISRT missions, and it can be reconfigured depending on the mission. It is engineered as a low-cost electromagnetic attack component that can be immediately applied to small platforms, enabling the cost-effective construction of a distributed electromagnetic attack network.

It also supports frontline units in independently delivering counter-C5ISRT effects, while at the same time augmenting the full-spectrum operational capabilities of the EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft.

The system can be flexibly reconfigured to match platform size, weight, and power constraints, as well as required mission effects. In addition to weapon pod integration, it can be applied to a wide range of platforms, including collaborative combat aircraft, unmanned aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, ground vehicles, surface vessels, and weapon systems. Through this, the United States and allied forces are expected to expand their counter-C5ISRT capabilities and secure concurrent operational capacity in a cost-effective manner.

BAE Systems' electromagnetic attack mission system employs hardware based on an open architecture and a Software Defined Radio (SDR). This allows rapid updates of hardware and software, and the addition of external applications to counter emerging threats.

In addition, the architecture of the modular electromagnetic attack system complies with the Big Iron standard and the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) specification, and it enhances cost-effectiveness by strategically integrating high-performance commercial technologies.