Leonardo has introduced an innovative electronic warfare (EW) solution capable of operating deep within enemy territory using drones.
Called “BriteStorm,” the drone payload is engineered to degrade hostile air defenses through high-powered interference or “stand-in jamming” capabilities.
Deployed ahead of the main force, it suppresses the enemy’s ability to detect and lock onto targets, thereby allowing friendly assets to carry out their missions more effectively.
BriteStorm leverages the company’s mission-tested Digital Radio Frequency Memory technology to evaluate the EW threat environment and choose the most effective countermeasure.
“BriteStorm’s effects can range from barraging the enemy system with electronic noise to more sophisticated techniques, such as creating dozens of realistic ‘ghost’ fighter jet signatures, confusing and misdirecting the enemy response,” the developer noted.
Leonardo is targeting the US and the UK as potential customers for BriteStorm.
Addressing Evolving Threats
BriteStorm builds on Leonardo’s expertise from developing BriteCloud, an EW solution that disrupts the radar guidance systems of incoming missiles.
The new technology features a platform-specific antenna, transmit-receive modules, and the company’s Miniature Technique Generator.
“It is simple to integrate, making BriteStorm an accessible route to establishing a powerful, attritable, stand-in jamming capability,” the company wrote.
Additionally, BriteStorm is rapidly reprogrammable, allowing it to adapt to evolving threats.
Leonardo has disclosed that several demonstration units are now in the US to showcase BriteStorm’s capabilities to potential military partners.