Supporting Airborne Electronic Attack Capabilities for Italy

BAE Systems will support the modification of two aircraft into airborne electronic attack platforms for the Italian Air Force.

BAE Systems has received a $12 million contract from L3Harris to support the modification of two Gulfstream G550 aircraft into airborne electronic attack (EA) platforms for the Italian Air Force. When the airframes are fitted with modern EA mission systems, they will provide Italy with powerful, long-range capabilities that disrupt and suppress enemies’ command and control, communication, navigation, and air defense systems.

Under its contract, BAE Systems will provide hardware to modify the aircraft, including racks, radomes, cables, and harnesses to prepare for the installation of advanced electronic warfare mission systems that will enhance Italy’s ability to operate 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. “Providing high-powered, long-range jamming capabilities to an important U.S. ally broadens the strength of the global allied fleet and supports the mission of the U.S. Air Force.”

BAE Systems’ airborne EA mission systems complement the range, altitude, and endurance attributes of the G550 business jets, providing long-range jamming from safer operational distances. The systems limit adversaries' situational awareness, disrupt their use of the electromagnetic spectrum for operations, and align with the capabilities of the U.S. Air Force.

BAE Systems has designed and developed advanced EA mission systems for decades, continually evolving the technology to address modern threats, and redesigning hardware for different airframes – carefully balancing the need for high-power output with size, weight, and power constraints.