At this year’s exhibition organized by AUSA – the Association of the United States Army at the Walter Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., the Leonardo corporation unveiled its new BriteStorm digital technology. The use of this technology can significantly affect methods of combating enemy air defenses, through the use of advanced jamming techniques.[1]

BriteStorm is a state-of-the-art digital payload designed for deployment aboard UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and other platforms. Its purpose is to counter Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS). With its ability to advance disruption and create “ghost aircraft” signatures, BriteStorm effectively confuses the adversary by making it difficult to identify real threats.[2]

The BriteStorm payload weighs just 2.5 kg and has a capacity of 3.5 liters. The system includes transmitting and receiving modules, as well as high-, medium- and low-band antennas that can be integrated anywhere on different types of UAVs.[3] The size of the BriteStorm payload, is intended to continue Leonardo’s policy of technology miniaturization. The reduced size, weight and power are intended to allow jamming systems to be positioned close to the threat.[4]

Today’s long-range ground-based surveillance radars form the basis of most integrated air defense systems (IADS). Combined with Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) and Ground-Based Air Defense (GBAD) missile systems, IDIAS enables detection and tracking of threats from long distances, using strategic ranged or escort platforms with powerful electronic systems. As a result, military operations involve increasing risks for units operating on manned platforms, whose movements are monitored and analyzed in real time.[5] The answer to this threat is to be found in the BriteStorm payload, which allows for stand-off jamming and the performance of “stand in jamming.” “Stand in jamming” refers to a way of conducting electronic air warfare in which the jamming system operates close to enemy units rather than from a distance. This allows the generation of strong jamming over a wide frequency spectrum, while overpowering the enemy’s IADS system.[6]

The BriteStorm system was tested during flights organized in cooperation with the Royal Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (RAF RCO), a unit of the Royal Air Force. As part of these trials, the RAF RCO purchased payloads for testing and validation. According to Leonardo, the tests demonstrated the BriteStorm’s ability to effectively counter modern air defense systems. Continued testing, and the introduction of BriteStorm or similar technologies combining electronic warfare capabilities with unmanned aerial vehicles, could significantly influence the design of next-generation warfare strategies.[7]

Tekst powstał w ramach realizacji zadania publicznego zleconego w ramach Rządowego Programu Rozwoju Organizacji Obywatelskich na lata 2018–2030 r. „Bezpieczna Polska jutra – rozwój działań misyjnych Alioth Foundation”.

Bibliography:

[1] Altair.com.pl „Leonardo prezentuje BriteStorm” [online].

[2] D. Cenciotti, Theaviationist.com „Leonardo Unveils BriteStorm: An Advanced Digital Warfare Payload for UAVs And Launched Effects” [online].

[3] A. White, Aerosociety.com„Leonardo UK debuts BriteStorm” [online].

[4] Uk.leonardo.com„A BriteStorm is coming: a new era of integrated air defence suppression” [online].

[5] Ibidem.

[6] R. Szulc, Strefaobrony.pl „Nowy ładunek BriteStorm od Leonardo pozwoli na zakłócanie systemów wroga” [online].

[7] D. Cenciotti, Theaviationist.com „Leonardo Unveils BriteStorm: An Advanced Digital Warfare Payload for UAVs And Launched Effects” [online].