Lockheed taps BAE for F-35 readiness support

May 22 (UPI) -- BAE Systems announced Tuesday the company entered into a contract with Lockheed Martin for critical aircraft readiness.

The five-year contract from Lockheed Martin enables BAE Systems to manage the supply chain and establish infrastructure to ensure critical electronic warfare technology is available for readiness on the Lockheed-manufactured F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft.

"As a leader in EW systems for the world's most advanced aircraft, we understand how critical readiness is for our customers," Betsy Warren, director of F-35 Sustainment at BAE Systems, said in a company news release. "We'll ensure that the F-35 EW supply chain is in place for Lockheed Martin and the Department of Defense."

The electronic warfare technology, or AN/ASQ-239 system, on the F-35 is an advanced system of avionics and sensors that provide a real-time, 360-degree view of the battlespace that aids pilots in detecting long-range targets, jamming enemy signals and performing countermeasure options, BAE Systems said.

BAE Systems did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.