The new electronic warfare pods are intended to increase the survivability of patrol aircraft in the face of threats from radar-guided missiles, detection by enemy radars, and electronic interference. The systems are designed for threat detection across multiple spectrums, counteraction (such as emitting jamming signals or deploying towed decoys), data fusion from multiple sensors for improved situational awareness, and dynamic route planning to avoid dangerous areas.
The pods will be mounted on the pylons of the P-8A aircraft, creating a protective “bubble” capable of detecting threats from both above and below. Their open architecture is expected to allow easy integration of future technologies in threat detection and counteraction.
Work on the pods will be carried out at BAE Systems facilities in Nashua (New Hampshire), Austin (Texas), and at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station (Maryland). Completion is planned by January 2030.
