What RF and EW products does BAE Systems make?

BAE Systems Electronic Systems division produces some of the most widely deployed EW systems in the world. Their product portfolio includes the AN/ALQ-214 Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures (IDECM) for fighter aircraft, the AN/ALR-56M Radar Warning Receiver on F-15 and F-16 platforms, the Digital RF Memory (DRFM) based jamming systems, the EWSP (Electronic Warfare Self-Protection) suite for helicopters, and advanced SIGINT collection systems. They also produce the AN/ULQ-16 Countermeasures set and various towed RF decoy systems. On the radar side, BAE builds the Mk 45 naval gun radar and contributes to the Eurofighter Typhoon's CAPTOR-E AESA radar.

Where does BAE Systems fit in the defense electronics market?

BAE Systems is the seventh-largest defense contractor globally by revenue (approximately $25 billion USD annually). In electronic warfare specifically, they are one of the top three companies worldwide alongside Northrop Grumman and L3Harris. Their Electronic Systems division (Nashua, NH; Austin, TX; Wayne, NJ) generates roughly $7 billion in annual revenue focused on EW, SIGINT, radar warning, and electronic countermeasures. BAE also maintains significant RF capabilities in the UK through their electronics division producing radar and communications systems for the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

Defense Industry

BAE Systems

Q: How did BAE Systems form?

BAE Systems was created in 1999 through the merger of British Aerospace (BAe) and Marconi Electronic Systems (the defense electronics arm of GEC). This combined British Aerospace's aircraft and missile capabilities with Marconi's world-class radar, EW, and communications electronics heritage. The Marconi lineage traces back to the original Marconi Company and its pioneering work in radio. In the US, BAE acquired Sanders (later BAE Systems Electronic Systems) in Nashua, NH, which became their primary EW center of excellence, along with Tracor, Condor Systems, and parts of Lockheed Martin's electronics business.

/bee-ay-ee sis-temz/

BAE Systems is a multinational defense, security, and aerospace company headquartered in London, UK, and one of the world's largest producers of electronic warfare and radar warning receiver (RWR) technology. Their Electronic Systems division in Nashua, NH designs DRFM jammers, SIGINT platforms, RF countermeasures, and advanced radar systems for US and allied military forces.

HQ: London, UK / Arlington, VA

Revenue: ~$25B USD

Founded: 1999 (BAe + Marconi)

BAE Systems in RF & EW

BAE Systems Electronic Systems division is the descendant of Sanders, a company that pioneered modern electronic warfare from its founding in 1951. When you see a US military aircraft using jamming pods, radar warning receivers, or towed decoys, there is a strong chance BAE Systems built them. Their technology portfolio spans the entire RF spectrum from HF communications through W-band (94 GHz) millimeter wave systems.

Key RF/EW Product Metrics

BAE Systems:
BAE Systems is a multinational defense, security, and aerospace company headquartered in London, UK, and one of the world's largest producers of electronic warfare and...

Key specifications:
1951. W | 94 GHz | -40 GHz | 99 %

Power: P(dBm) = 10log(P_mW), 0dBm = 1mW

Key BAE Systems RF/EW Programs

Program	Type	Platform	RF Function
AN/ALQ-214	IDECM	F/A-18, F-15	DRFM jammer, countermeasures
AN/ALR-56M	RWR	F-15, F-16	Radar warning, threat ID
AN/ALE-55	FOTD	F/A-18E/F	Fiber-optic towed RF decoy
EPAWSS	EW Suite	F-15EX	Full-spectrum EW self-protection
SEWIP Block III	Ship EW	DDG-51	Electronic attack, EA/ES
CAPTOR-E	AESA Radar	Eurofighter	Airborne multimode radar

Key Equations

Decibel conversion:
Power: dB = 10log(P₂/P₁)
Voltage: dB = 20log(V₂/V₁)

dBm to watts:
P(W) = 10^{(dBm−30)/10}
0 dBm = 1 mW, +30 dBm = 1 W

Wavelength:
λ = c/f = 300/f(MHz) meters

Comparison

Aspect	BAE Systems Spec	Typical Range	Impact	Design Note
Primary function	Their Electronic Systems division in Nas...	Application-dep.	Critical	Verify in sim
Operating range	BAE Systems in RF & EW BAE Systems Elect...	Application-dep.	Critical	Verify in sim
Performance	When you see a US military aircraft usin...	Application-dep.	Critical	Verify in sim
Integration	Their technology portfolio spans the ent...	Application-dep.	Critical	Verify in sim
Trade-off	Key specifications: 1951...	Application-dep.	Critical	Verify in sim

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What RF/EW products does BAE Systems make?

Their Electronic Systems division produces the AN/ALQ-214 IDECM jammer (F-15, F/A-18), AN/ALR-56M Radar Warning Receiver (F-15, F-16), DRFM-based jamming systems, towed RF decoys (AN/ALE-55), EWSP helicopter suites, and advanced SIGINT collection systems. On the radar side, they contribute to the Eurofighter Typhoon's CAPTOR-E AESA radar and produce naval radar systems.

How did BAE Systems form?

Created in 1999 through the merger of British Aerospace (BAe) and Marconi Electronic Systems (GEC's defense arm). This combined BAe's aircraft/missile capabilities with Marconi's radar and EW heritage. In the US, BAE acquired Sanders (now Electronic Systems, Nashua NH), Tracor, Condor Systems, and parts of Lockheed Martin's electronics business.

Where does BAE rank in defense electronics?

Seventh-largest defense contractor globally (~$25B revenue). In electronic warfare specifically, top three worldwide alongside Northrop Grumman and L3Harris. Their Electronic Systems division (Nashua, Austin, Wayne) generates ~$7B annually focused on EW, SIGINT, and radar warning. Significant UK-based RF capabilities for Royal Navy and RAF systems.

Related Terms

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