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BAE Systems will supply electronic attack hardware to support L3Harris’s conversion of two Gulfstream G550 jets into airborne electronic warfare platforms for the Italian Air Force.
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The G550’s long range, high altitude, and endurance make it a suitable platform for integrating BAE’s advanced jamming systems, which are designed to disrupt adversary communications and air defense networks from standoff distances.
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The project enhances interoperability between the Italian and U.S. air forces, aligning Italy’s capabilities with U.S. electronic warfare standards and strengthening coalition readiness.
HUDSON, N.H. - BAE Systems in Hudson, N.H. has been contracted by L3Harris in Melbourne, Fla., to support the company's efforts to modify two Gulfstream G550 business jets into airborne electronic attack (EA) platforms for Italy's air force. BAE says the EA mission systems will provide the European nation with long-range capabilities that suppress adversaries' command and control, communication, navigation, and air defense systems.
Under its contract, BAE will supply racks, radomes, cables, and harnesses to prepare the aircraft for long-range jamming systems designed to disrupt enemy command and control, communications, navigation, and air defense operations.
"This modification work is a critical step toward delivering advanced EA capabilities to the Italian Air Force," said Cory Casalegno, director for Coalition Electronic Attack at BAE Systems. "Providing high-powered, long-range jamming capabilities to an important U.S. ally broadens the strength of the global allied fleet and supports the mission of the U.S. Air Force."
Gulfstream G800 makes maiden flight
Modified for military
The Gulfstream G550 is a long-range business jet known for its endurance, high cruising altitude, and advanced avionics. It can fly more than 6,700 nautical miles and operate at altitudes up to 51,000 feet, making it a strong candidate for military applications such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare.
BAE Systems says its EA mission systems complement the performance of the G550 by allowing the aircraft to engage in jamming operations from safer, standoff ranges. The company’s technology is designed to degrade adversary situational awareness and deny effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum, aligning with U.S. Air Force electronic warfare capabilities.
With decades of experience in electronic attack, BAE continues to evolve its systems to meet emerging threats. The company designs mission systems to balance power output with the size, weight, and power requirements of various aircraft platforms, including business jets like the G550.
