BAE's US arm wins Special Operations Command electronic warfare contract

The U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems has won $67 million contract modification to move forward on efforts to develop new electronic warfare systems for Special Operations Command's fleet of cargo transportation aircraft.

This award covers systems integration and installation work over the next 30 months and BAE Systems Inc. estimates the contract's total value of at least $300 million including all options. BAE received the modification after a system design phase and technology demonstration.

BAE will install the EW systems on SOCOM's fleet of AC-130J Ghostrider and MC-130J Commando II aircraft with new equipment to defend against and fend off surface and airborne threats.

The company designed its electronic warfare and radio frequency countermeasure system to support situational awareness, geo-location and and air defense functions. These systems also support SOCOM's over-watch, helicopter refueling, close air support and other missions in contested areas.