The U.S. Navy has signed a $33 million contract with Leonardo UK to procure BriteCloud 218 Active Expendable Decoys (AED) for F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. This marks the first agreement to equip the F-35 with BriteCloud 218 following the technology’s approval in July.
Contract Details
- The contract spans fiscal years 2025 to 2027.
- The technology, developed by Leonardo and designated as AN/ALQ-260(V) in the U.S., has previously been successfully deployed on platforms such as Eurofighter Typhoon, Tornado, Gripen, F-16, and MQ-9 Reaper.
- While the Navy had earlier disclosed plans to procure 1,000–2,000 AEDs annually, the exact number covered by this new contract remains unspecified.
BriteCloud 218: Advanced Protection Against Modern Threats
BriteCloud 218 is a battery-powered standalone device providing advanced protection against radar-guided missiles and fire-control radars. By integrating cutting-edge defense technologies, the system neutralizes missile threats effectively:
- Compatibility with Standard Launchers: It can be deployed from chaff and flare dispensers.
- Offboard Operation: Operating outside the aircraft eliminates the vulnerabilities of onboard jamming systems.
- Convincing False Targets: Its Doppler and range-obscuring capabilities counter modern missile systems’ advanced discrimination technologies.
According to Leonardo, BriteCloud creates “so convincing false targets that detection systems are rendered ineffective, ensuring success against a wide range of threats.”
Strategic Significance for the U.S. Navy
BriteCloud 218 will significantly enhance the F-35’s defense against radar-guided missile threats, boosting the operational effectiveness of the U.S. Navy. The system provides flexible and secure protection against both surface-to-air and air-to-air threats.
This move underscores the rising demand for advanced radar-guided threat countermeasures in modern combat environments. BriteCloud 218 is poised to play a pivotal role in fortifying the F-35’s defensive infrastructure in the years to come.
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