Australian RF technology for Joint Strike Missile
BAE Systems Australia’s technology is one step closer to being used in the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), following the signing of a contract between the federal government and Norway’s Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace.
The missile is being developed for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, which will be deployed by Australia and other countries.
The contract will enable Kongsberg, which is developing the JSM, to continue the integration and qualification of BAE Systems’ passive radio frequency (RF) sensor into the system.
BAE Systems is a specialist manufacturer of missile control and guidance systems, amongst other things.
The company will provide a low-cost, lightweight and highly sensitive electronic support measure (ESM) receiver for incorporation on JSM.
The missile will have additional land attack and littoral attack capabilities and two-way communications for target adjustment and in-flight termination.
BAE Systems has already delivered a preproduction passive RF sensor for the JSM program, which was used to help perform fit checks, system integration and flight testing in a development-standard missile.
“This is a great example of niche technology being developed through government and industry collaboration that has the potential to provide long-term sustainable exports for Australia,” said BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Glynn Phillips
“There is no doubt about Australia’s ability to compete on the world stage, delivering leading-edge technology to the world.”
The combination of this RF sensor with Kongsberg’s existing seeker provides a significant enhancement in operational capability.
“We are very pleased that Australia joins the development of JSM by funding the integration of the RF seeker and that we together can increase the JSM capabilities”, said Eirik Lie, president of Kongsberg Defence Systems.
In support of the contract, BAE Systems Australia will supply its passive RF sensors to Kongsberg for use in its qualification activities.
The technology was developed with the support of the Australian Government’s Priority Industry Capability Innovation Program (PICIP).
Under the Defence-funded program, BAE Systems Australia received a grant in 2013 to help commercialise this innovative technology.
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