L3Harris to provide EW system for US Navy’s F/A-18 aircraft

L3Harris Technologies has been contracted for the next production of the electronic warfare (EW) system for the US Navy’s F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet aircraft.

The $104m follow-on contract will see the company build and supply Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures (IDECM) jammer systems for the F/A-18C / D / E / F variants.

The L3Harris ALQ-214A (V) 4/5 is an important onboard jammer for the programme. It is advanced self-protection jammer system designed to protect the aircraft against electronic threats.

L3Harris Space and Airborne Systems president Ed Zoiss said: “Our commitment to continually modernise F/A-18 EW systems has helped to keep naval aviators ahead of emerging threats and out of harm’s way for more than two decades.

“This long-term collaboration with the navy and continued development of advanced EW technology uniquely positions L3Harris to provide the jammer solution for the F/A-18 throughout the service-life of the aircraft.”

The deliveries are expected to be completed by May 2024.

So far, the Naval Air Systems Command has awarded more than $2bn to the company for AN/ALQ-214 development and production.

The ALQ-214A (V) 4/5 features modular open system architecture (MOSA)-compliant design that enables technology incorporation to maintain air superiority against evolving threats.

Last month, RUAG Australia won a contract from the US Navy for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of some components of the F/A-18 Hornet fleet.

L3Harris Technologies also won a contract for the Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MUSV) programme from the US Navy.