Arthur McMiler 
- The award covers AN/ASQ-239 systems for F-35 Lots 20-22
- The retrofit units will modernize older aircraft
- BAE has shipped over 1,500 F-35 EW units
BAE Systems said Tuesday it has secured a Lockheed Martin contract to build AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare systems for Lots 20 through 22 of the F-35 Lightning II and to supply units that will upgrade older aircraft already in service. The contract’s value was not disclosed.
What Does the AN/ASQ-239 System Provide?
The AN/ASQ-239 EW system features defensive and offensive electromagnetic spectrum capabilities like algorithmic threat detection and passive, long-range sensing, which work to enable the F-35 to operate in hostile environments. The system’s software can also be updated by its operators.
A $493 million upgrade contract BAE received in 2021 introduced a modular architecture to make the hardware and software refreshes simpler.
How Is BAE Scaling F-35 EW Production?
BAE said it is using automation, updated designs and a strengthened supplier base to speed up deliveries. It has also invested in its facilities to produce and sustain more units faster. Manufacturing takes place in Austin, Texas, and in Manchester, Merrimack and Nashua, New Hampshire.
Supply chain resilience has been a recurring priority for the program. In 2021, the Navy awarded Lockheed $66.6 million to definitize the effects of alternatively sourced materials on F-35 Lots 12 through 14.
“We’re laser-focused on scaling production and delivering software-based capabilities to meet the rapid pace of conflict,” said Amber Dolan, vice president of F-35 solutions at BAE Systems.
Dolan was named to the post in 2025 to lead F-35 EW efforts within BAE’s electronic combat solutions business. With more than 16 years at the company, she previously served as product line director for adaptive communications and sensing.
How Does the Award Build on BAE’s F-35 Work?
BAE has supported the Joint Strike Fighter program since its start and has shipped upward of 1,500 F-35 EW units. In 2023, Lockheed tapped the company to supply Block 4 AN/ASQ-239 systems for Lot 17 under contracts totaling $491 million.
The Block 4 upgrade also adds weapons options for the jet. In March 2025, Lockheed and the F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force completed the first Long Range Anti-Ship Missile flight test on the F-35B.
