Our Intrepid Shield™ approach creates a protective sphere around platforms in highly contested battlespaces using the full electromagnetic spectrum to detect, exploit, and counter advanced threats.
BAE Systems brings together electro-optical, infrared, and radio frequency capabilities to deliver next-generation threat detection, countermeasure, and attack solutions. As modern day threats rapidly evolve across land, air, sea, space, and cyber – it’s essential that platforms and crews are equipped with solutions to respond faster than ever before. With more than 60 years of expertise in electronic warfare and platform survivability, we know what it takes for successful electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO). Our layered approach to EMSO combines full-spectrum electromagnetic energy technology to detect and defeat threats, counter adversaries’ attacks, and empower freedom of maneuver in challenging battlespaces – protecting the warfighter on the ground, in the air, and at sea.
Boldly delivering:
Full-spectrum solutions that integrate traditionally separate radio frequency (RF) and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) capabilities to create new operational effects
Platform protection, situational awareness, and kill chain support
Broadband, high-power electronic attack to control the spectrum for freedom of maneuver
Advanced electro-optical sensing and laser-based countermeasure solutions
Towed decoys, smart countermeasure dispensers, and advanced small-form-factor expendable RF and IR
Open architecture solutions, including third-party technique hosting
End-to-end threat analysis, modeling, simulation, and digital engineering
Lifecycle support and mission systems integration services
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning solutions for real-time EMSO
Frequently asked questions
What is Intrepid Shield™?
Intrepid Shield – meaning “bold protection” – is a bold, layered approach to platform survivability using technology and capabilities for freedom of maneuver in contested battlespaces. Integrated solutions allow for flexible electromagnetic spectrum operations, increased lethality and survivability, and reduced lifecycle costs.
How are electromagnetic spectrum operations changing?
Global technology advancements and rapid proliferation of new systems continue to challenge traditional approaches to electronic warfare (EW). The density of spectrum-dependent systems is ever-increasing. Our approach is to exploit the full electromagnetic spectrum, control it in real-time, and harmonize effects across the force to enable new concepts of operation. We do this by combining RF and EO/IR solutions while simultaneously implementing open architectures for rapid fielding and continuous system upgrades to outpace the threat.
What is full-spectrum EW?
Full-spectrum electronic warfare (EW) solutions use the entire electromagnetic spectrum to support key military operations in the air, on the ground, at sea, and in space. By leveraging the radio frequency (RF) and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) parts of the spectrum, a suite of capabilities can be developed to detect, identify, and respond to threats across the evolving battlespace.
Why is full-spectrum EW important?
Full-spectrum EW solutions are important because they increase survivability and lethality for warfighters. Full-spectrum solutions can provide multi-functional applications, allowing users to detect, identify, and respond to many different types of threats on many different platforms.
The BAE Systems AN/ALE-55 Fiber-Optic Towed Decoy provides powerful signal-jamming self-protection against radio frequency (RF) threats while drawing incoming missiles away from the aircraft.
Smart D²™ system, developed at BAE Systems’ Austin facility, efficiently manages and deploys smart, expendable countermeasures – including multi-shot flares, active radio-frequency (RF) decoys, and kinetic interceptors.
With BAE Systems’ integrated, automatic Smart D2™ system, a rotary or fixed-wing aircraft’s aircraft survivability system becomes “smarter” in dispensing countermeasures and defeating threat technologies, increasing aircraft and crew survivability
Our ALE-47 Airborne Countermeasures Dispenser System protects fixed-wing, fast jet, and rotary aircraft against infrared and radio-frequency missile attacks worldwide.
Our Countermeasure Dispenser Testers are the most reliable flight-line dispenser tester in the aviation industry. The Countermeasure Dispenser Test Set contains two units in a custom carrying case.
Family of Weapon Sights-Individual (FWS-I) thermal weapon sights will allow soldiers to conduct surveillance and acquire targets in any light or weather conditions.
Our advanced TERRA RAVEN™ system defends against anti-tank guided missile attacks on military ground vehicles as part of a multi-layered vehicle protection suite.
Designed for remote weapon stations and weapon targeting systems, the thermal imaging module, TIM 1500, is an advanced, uncooled thermal imager for today’s targeting and situational awareness needs.
Our solutions provide a 360-degree view of the battlespace, allowing for the see first, act first advantage. From missile warning sensors, to countermeasure dispenser systems, to towed decoys, radar jamming, and non-kinetic countermeasures, our products are compatible with existing fleets and serve as a baseline for next-generation solutions. This proactive approach equips platforms and crews with both offensive and defensive technologies to detect and defeat inbound threats, tailoring responses to each situation.
Key Discriminators:
Diversity of Talent, Location, Technology
With more than 1,600 employees across multiple sites, we have the talent and state-of-the-art engineering and manufacturing facilities to provide next-generation solutions. With close proximity to key customers and suppliers, we deliver on commitments. Our partnerships with the local start-up community enable us to tap into the innovation ecosystem and field new technologies faster.
Cost, Agility, and Modularity
As the U.S. Armed Forces and allies look to sustain and modernize their fleets, it’s important to integrate systems with multi-function capability and an open system architecture. Solutions need to be agile and threat-agnostic. They need to serve multiple purposes while meeting size, weight, and power requirements for the platform. The complex battlespace requires holistic solutions that can detect and counter threats across the spectrum. This allows critical components of a system, such as hardware or software, to be upgraded without changing the entire system – a time and cost saving advantage.
In-House Material Growth
For more than 25 years, our FAST Labs™ research and development organization has grown crystals and other non-linear materials that can’t be found in nature. These materials bring a critical advantage that underpin the future of optical EW systems. Crystals and other non-linear materials can shift wavelengths, filling huge gaps in the electromagnetic spectrum and making it extremely difficult for adversaries to counter lasers. We are one of the only suppliers of these exotic non-linear crystals in the United States – and in some cases, the world.
Threat Analysis Testing
Our Worrell/Weeks Aircrew Protection Center and cutting-edge Jam Lab enable our teams to perform rigorous analyses of aircraft survivability equipment in an operationally representative environment. Our strong relationship with customers allows us to develop greater awareness and understanding, while continually evolving products based on user feedback. We are proud that our customers rely on BAE Systems' expertise, dedication, and commitment to provide them with innovative, next-generation equipment for the future.
Visit our specific Countermeasure & Electromagnetic Attack Solutions product pages above, or contact our Electronic Systems representative to arrange a meeting.
This information page is provided as a service to our readers by BAE Systems, Inc., a U.S.-based world leader in aerospace, defense, power, and intelligence solutions. Learn more about us here.
