BAE Systems unveils Shadow EW payloads for small aircraft, production from 2027

BAE Systems has unveiled a family of electronic warfare payloads weighing around 3 kilograms (7 pounds), designed to bring electronic sensing, targeting, and deception capabilities to small aircraft and drones. 

The Shadow EW range reflects a shift toward distributing electronic warfare across multiple platforms, including potentially expendable drones, instead of relying exclusively on specialized aircraft. 

BAE Systems has yet to announce a customer, integration contract, or platform selected to carry them. 

Three payloads, three production timelines 

The first variant, Shadow EW 100, is scheduled for production in 2027. Weighing 3.3 kilograms (7.2 pounds), it covers frequencies from 70 MHz to 6 GHz while consuming less than 150 watts. 

Shadow EW 120, planned for 2028, extends coverage down to 5 MHz, while retaining similar dimensions, weight, and power requirements. 

The third variant, Shadow EW 500, is expected in 2029. Weighing approximately 3.2 kilograms (7 pounds), it will cover frequencies from 10 MHz to 18 GHz and add radio-frequency direction finding and geolocation, allowing it to help locate enemy emitters. Its power consumption reaches 250 watts. 

All three use commercially available processing components, including Nvidia Jetson Orin modules and programmable chips. Their open architecture allows capabilities to be modified through software updates. 

BAE Systems says that this approach is intended to support affordable, high-volume production, although it has disclosed neither unit prices nor production targets. 

Manufacturing will take place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with software and design work conducted in Nashua, New Hampshire. 

Electronic warfare moves toward expendable drones 

BAE Systems is entering a growing market for compact electronic warfare systems designed to accompany crewed fighters into contested airspace. 

Such platforms could carry electronic warfare payloads to detect enemy emissions, support the suppression of air defenses, or protect a larger formation.    

In October 2024, Leonardo introduced BriteStorm, a compact stand-in jamming payload, intended for uncrewed aircraft operating ahead of friendly forces. 

On September 18, 2026, Turkey’s ASELSAN reported trials involving two Bayraktar TB2 drones, one carrying ANTIDOT electronic support and attack pods and the other equipped with a FULMAR 200 radar. Together, they demonstrated a coordinated sequence of radar detection, geolocation, electronic attack, and reconnaissance. 

MBDA is pursuing a related approach through its Expendable Remote Carriers– uncrewed platforms intended to carry sensors, electronic warfare equipment, or weapons alongside crewed fighters. In June 2025, MBDA and its partners demonstrated electronic warfare operations involving a SHARCS remote carrier configured as a stand-in jammer.The post BAE Systems unveils Shadow EW payloads for small aircraft, production from 2027 appeared first on AeroTime.

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