Leonardo has introduced its latest electronic warfare (EW) system, BriteStorm, aimed at enhancing air defence suppression capabilities.
The system was unveiled on October 14, 2024, and is designed to provide armed forces with a new tool for stand-in jamming, offering greater protection for both crewed and uncrewed platforms during military operations.
BriteStorm is an evolution of Leonardo’s BriteCloud technology, an Expendable Active Decoy (EAD) used to disrupt radio frequency (RF) missiles.
Unlike BriteCloud, which acts as a last-resort defence mechanism, BriteStorm is designed to operate earlier in a mission, disrupting adversary radar and air defence systems before they can engage with friendly forces. According to Mark Randall, Campaign Manager for Electronic Warfare at Leonardo, “Platforms installed with a BriteStorm payload can deploy ahead to create confusion, so that enemy Integrated Air Defence Systems (IADS) are unable to detect, track, and attempt to engage friendly assets.”
The system utilises Leonardo’s Miniature Techniques Generator (MTG), paired with various antennas and Transmit Receive Modules (TRMs), allowing it to be integrated onto a wide range of platforms, including uncrewed systems.
This provides flexibility and reduces the need for larger, more powerful systems traditionally used for stand-off jamming operations. Andrew Ingram, Head of Capability for Electronic Warfare at Leonardo, explained that the stand-in jamming approach reduces the need for high-power systems, making it more suitable for closer operations.
BriteStorm’s digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) technology enables it to employ a variety of electronic warfare techniques, such as creating “ghost” signatures of aircraft or jamming enemy systems with electronic noise. This aims to reduce the effectiveness of enemy IADS by creating confusion and disrupting their ability to track and engage with real threats.
Developed at Leonardo’s electronic warfare facility in Luton, UK, BriteStorm has already undergone live trials as part of its development. Its ability to be integrated onto multiple platforms is expected to offer flexibility for armed forces, providing options for both current and future missions.
The system’s design allows it to be deployed using lower-cost uncrewed platforms, reducing the risks associated with using larger, strategic assets.
So will this be aboard whatever low cost Drone 216 are fielding next year?
Or is it Spear-EW?
Doesn’t that use a Leonardo jammer?
Dunno mate.
Yes but this jammer is bigger certainly than Brite cloud and probably bigger than SPEAR EW.
SPEAR EW does use Leonardo tech.
If it is high tech i hope is not employed in expendable devices. Otherwise a couple months after employment the enemy will have a copy.
Probably only have the software flashed to it for the job in hand.
This used to be the preserve of EW specialists. Clearly about to become a lot more generalised.
Yes that was mentioned in Warzone Today that this would be a contender for ACP from BAE or the CCA designs for USAF.
Totally OT, but newsworthy.
The RAMS is formed today, merging the RAMC,RADC,QARANC.
The RAVC becomes a part of the RE.
George, will there be an article?
👍
Yes, I agree, absolutely.
Those acronyms tell me all I need to know… 😏
Oh come on…….
I thought we’d trained you up properly…
Young man…More homework, less fantasy Boxer modules!
Royal Army Medical Service.
Royal Army Dental Corps.
Queen Alexandrias Royal Army Nursing Corps.
Royal Army Veterinary Corps.
Royal Engineers.
😆
Oh, and first, Royal Army Medical Corps.
As of today I am starting a notebook of acronyms so I can look them up.
I doubt it will help me though. As far as I can tell you have never repeated the same one twice.
I like fantasy boxer modules. Also fantasy missiles. Also fantasy ships.
I was actually doing homework this evening. Chemistry 😔
“As far as I can tell you have never repeated the same one twice.”😂 !!
I know you do, my young apprentice.
Chemistry? Must be useful somewhere in BAES. Or you might end up as a boffin in DSTLs CBRD or, more apt for your tastes, PSD….😉
Do you do Fantasy Premier League by any chance?
Good luck with that.
What is RTR short for?
RAMC does mostly PHC, PHEC and R1 Support.
QARANC specialist in PFC, and PCCC
RADC do teeth
RAMS do all of the above.
Decent Cap badge.
Awful motto.
Horrendous rank slides.
TRF is okay.
Really hope we get SPEAR EW in service soon.