Summary and Key Points: The F-35 Lightning II, renowned for its stealth, is also notable for its advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities. The latest Block 4 variant includes the AN/ASQ-239 EW suite, enhancing threat detection and situational awareness.

-Equipped with the powerful AN/APG-85 AESA radar, the F-35 can passively detect a wide spectrum of electromagnetic signals.

-Its sophisticated sensor fusion and ALIS infrastructure provide critical intelligence, making the F-35 a versatile and invaluable asset for the U.S. military and allies.

F-35 Lightning II: Beyond Stealth with Advanced Electronic Warfare Capabilities

The American-made F-35 Lightning II fighter is widely considered to be the most advanced aircraft of its kind. While the jet is often lauded for its stealth capabilities, the F-35 should also be recognized for its electronic warfare functions.

The latest Block 4 variant of the fifth-generation fighter is being fitted with the AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare suites. Manufacture BAE Systems has also indicated that the upgraded aircraft will receive new sensors designed to improve its ability to detect difficult-to-observe threats and enhance situational awareness. 

According to BAE, perhaps the most significant aspect of the new AN/ASQ-239 system is its ability to detect “passively, without emitting energy -- a wide spectrum of electromagnetic signals in 360 degrees around the F-35 at long range.”

An Overview of the Lightning II

Since its introduction to service, the F-35 has provided the U.S. military and its nine-nation co-development group with unmatched capabilities. Equipped with the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, the F-35 has a top speed of Mach 1.6. 

The jet also features a sophisticated sensor fusion, which creates a single integrated image of the battlefield that enhances the situational awareness of the pilot. The incorporation of the 36o-degree Distributed Aperture System, combined with long-range electro-optical targeting technology, enables the jet to quickly detect threats in the air.

While its stealth is unparalleled, the F-35 is actually far more versatile. The jet can transition into what is referred to as “beast mode” after air dominance is established. While in this mode, the fighter can lug up to 22,000 pounds of combined internal and external weapons.  

The F-35’s EW Capabilities

Initial F-35 variants were equipped with the Northrop Grumman-sources AN/APG-81 Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar. The more powerful multifunction AESA radar designated as the AN/APG-85 reportedly uses TRMS (Transmit/Receive Modules) based on GaN (Gallium Nitride). These advanced TRMs provide enhanced thermal management and improve power transfer and clarity, according to Eurasian Times. These upgraded capabilities are designed to better the platform’s already formidable EW suite, which largely feeds into its Automated Logistics Information (ALIS) backend cyber support infrastructure.

As detailed by Lockheed Martin, “ALIS integrates a broad range of capabilities including operations, maintenance, prognostics, supply chain, customer support services, training, and technical data” to serve as the information infrastructure for the F-35. 

Essentially, the F-35 is capable of gathering electronic signals from enemy aircraft, loading that intelligence into the ALIS, and providing the U.S. military with that critical information. 

As tensions between Washington and Beijing continue to escalate, the more powerful the F-35’s EW capabilities are, the better. If an all-out war erupts, the platform’s EW suite alone can provide timely, actionable intelligence on adversarial positions to the U.S. and its partner nations.

About the Author: Maya Carlin 

Maya Carlin, National Security Writer with The National Interest, is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin. 

All images are Creative Commons. 

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