The evolution of warfare in the 21st century has placed a significant emphasis on electronic warfare (EW), where the ability to detect and counter electronic threats can be the key to mission success and pilot safety.

In a crucial development, L3Harris Technologies has been awarded contracts to provide advanced electronic warfare systems for the US Navy’s F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet aircraft, ensuring that naval aviators remain ahead of emerging threats and are kept out of harm’s way.

L3Harris Technologies, a leader in providing cutting-edge technology solutions, has a distinguished history in delivering EW systems to the US Navy.

With a strong track record and a commitment to innovation, L3Harris is at the forefront of developing and supplying advanced EW systems for military aircraft.

The $104 Million Follow-on Contract

A significant milestone in L3Harris’s partnership with the US Navy is the recent award of a $104 million follow-on contract.

Under this contract, L3Harris will build and supply Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures (IDECM) jammer systems for various F/A-18 variants, including the F/A-18C, D, E, and F.

These jammer systems are designed to protect these aircraft against a wide range of electronic threats.

ALQ-214A (V) 4/5: A Vital Onboard Jammer

At the heart of the IDECM program is the ALQ-214A (V) 4/5, an advanced self-protection jammer system.

This system serves as a critical line of defense against electronic threats that F/A-18 pilots may encounter during their missions.

Its role is to detect and counteract these threats effectively, contributing to pilot safety and mission success.

Enhancing Mission Success and Aviator Safety

Electronic warfare capabilities are indispensable in modern military operations, where adversaries employ increasingly sophisticated electronic threats.

L3Harris’s commitment to continually modernizing F/A-18 EW systems plays a vital role in keeping naval aviators ahead of emerging threats and ensuring their safety in dangerous and challenging environments.

The electronic warfare capabilities integrated into F/A-18 aircraft are designed to provide a competitive edge and ensure mission success.

These capabilities not only detect and identify electronic threats across various radio frequency bands but also provide the means to counteract them effectively.

As threats continue to evolve, this continuous modernization is crucial to stay ahead and maintain an upper hand in electronic warfare.

Modular Open System Architecture: Flexibility for Future Enhancements

One of the key features of the advanced EW systems developed by L3Harris is their modular open system architecture.

This design allows for the easy integration of new systems and upgraded technologies.

The flexibility of this architecture ensures that the F/A-18 can adapt to evolving threats and emerging technologies quickly.

As technology advances, the ability to integrate new systems and enhance existing ones is a significant advantage.

The modular open system architecture enables rapid responses to changing threats and challenges in electronic warfare, keeping the F/A-18 at the forefront of electronic warfare capabilities.

Competition with the EA-18G Growler

The significance of the recent contract awarded to L3Harris is that it bolsters the F/A-18’s electronic warfare capabilities, making it a rival to the US Navy’s dedicated electronic warfare aircraft, the EA-18G Growler.

The Growler, a variant of the F/A-18, is specifically designed for electronic warfare missions.

With the addition of electronic attack capabilities to the F/A-18, this versatile aircraft is equipped to perform similar electronic warfare missions as the Growler.

This expanded capability of the F/A-18 enhances the US Navy’s flexibility and options in responding to electronic threats and challenges, as the multi-role combat aircraft can be deployed for a wider range of missions.

EA-18G Growler
EA-18G Growler (Image source: DVIDS)

Protecting Naval Aviators

At the core of these developments is the unwavering commitment to protecting naval aviators.

The advanced electronic warfare systems being integrated into the F/A-18 are designed to safeguard the lives of pilots in dangerous situations and enable them to dominate potential adversaries.

Naval aviators face unique challenges when conducting missions in contested environments.

Electronic threats can disrupt communication, navigation, and the aircraft’s systems.

The advanced electronic warfare systems provided by L3Harris are a crucial line of defense, ensuring that naval aviators can operate effectively and return safely from their missions.

Long-term Collaboration and Technology Development

L3Harris’s enduring collaboration with the US Navy and its ongoing advancements in EW technology uniquely position the company to deliver jammer solutions for the F/A-18 throughout its entire service life.

This long-standing partnership guarantees that the F/A-18 is consistently equipped with cutting-edge electronic warfare capabilities.

The commitment to ongoing technology development and support for the F/A-18 aircraft underlines L3Harris’s dedication to keeping naval aviators safe and mission-ready in an ever-changing threat landscape. By continually modernizing the electronic warfare systems, L3Harris contributes to the overall readiness and effectiveness of the US Navy’s air assets.

Delivery Schedule

The deliveries under the recently awarded contract are expected to be completed by May 2024. This timeframe reflects the efficient and timely execution of the contract, ensuring that the F/A-18 is equipped with advanced jammer systems within a specific period.

In conclusion, the recent contracts awarded to L3Harris Technologies signify a critical step in enhancing the electronic warfare capabilities of the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet aircraft.

By providing advanced self-protection jammer systems and electronic attack capabilities, L3Harris is contributing to the safety and effectiveness of naval aviators and strengthening the electronic warfare capabilities of the F/A-18.

This collaboration with the US Navy ensures that the F/A-18 remains a formidable force in the ever-evolving landscape of electronic warfare, keeping naval aviators ahead of emerging threats and out of harm’s way for years to come.

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