L3Harris to build two Italian EA-37B EW aircraft

Melbourne, Florida-based L3Harris Technologies has received a US$300 million ($455 million) contract from Italy to deliver two Gulfstream G550 aircraft equipped to carry out Electromagnetic Warfare (EW), including Electronic Attack (EA). L3Harris is partnering with BAE Systems Inc. on this solution under a US$12 million ($18 million) sub-contract, which represents the first time the US government has approved an EA-37B sale to an international ally, the two companies said in separate statements.

The modified G550 with electromagnetic attack capabilities will provide the Italian Air Force with an airborne jamming ability with range, altitude and endurance to disrupt and suppress enemy command and control communications, radars, navigation and air defence systems from an extended distance, according to L3Harris.

BAE Systems’ $12 million sub-contract will support the modification of two Gulfstream G550 aircraft into airborne (EA) platforms, says the company. It 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.

“We are expanding our support of Italy’s armed forces by equipping them with modern mission technology ready for managing a dynamic global landscape,” said Jason Lambert, President, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, L3Harris. “Our team will provide Italy with solutions to augment its national security and increase its interoperability with the US and strategic allies.”

Once complete, the aircraft will join the Italian Ministry of Defence’s fleet of special mission aircraft along with the Joint Airborne Multi-Mission Multi-Sensor System (JAMMS) effort to advance the country’s airborne capabilities. L3Harris is currently modifying two other G550 Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft under JAMMS. The company is also completing four G550s for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) which will take delivery of its first MC-55A Peregrine ISR and EW aircraft later this year.

The JAMMS effort is another of L3Harris’ growing portfolio of multi-mission aircraft solutions hosted on a variety of commercial platforms operated by the US, Australia, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea and other allies. The company has fielded 103 missionized business jet aircraft to date.

BAE Systems’ airborne EA mission systems complement the range, altitude, and endurance attributes of the G550 business jets, the company says, providing long-range jamming from safer operational distances.