BAE Systems announced that it has been selected by the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to develop a new electronic warfare system for the fleet of C-130J aircraft. The contract, worth more than USD 20 million, is the first phase of a multi-phase program to upgrade aircraft system survivability and the capability to detect, identify, locate, deny, degrade, disrupt, and defeat threat systems in operational significant environments. The life cycle value of the contract is expected to exceed USD 400 million. Designed to be integrated into both the MC-130J Commando II and the AC-130J Ghostrider aircraft, the RFCM system will support the varied and critical missions of Special Operation Forces. These missions include the use of
C-130Js for armed over-watch and refueling of helicopters in denied territories, and for close air support and interdiction missions in the most sensitive and hostile of territories. Under the terms of the contract, BAE Systems will provide product development and platform integration work over the next 12 months.