Saab using GaN-based AESA in new Arexis electronic warfare jammer pod for Gripen fighter aircraft

Sweden-based defence and security company Saab AB is in the final stages of development of a new family of electronic warfare (EW) self-protection systems called Arexis. One version of Arexis is the on-board EW suite in the new version of the Gripen fighter, Gripen E/F.

At the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI 2017) exhibition in London, UK (10-13 September), Saab expanded the Arexis product family by presenting the Arexis advanced electronic attack jammer pod. This has the capability to screen and hence protect the approach and departure of entire strike formations against low-frequency radars by the smart utilization of DRFM-based jamming techniques such as smart noise, coherent false targets, and various saturation techniques.

The core technologies in Arexis are ultra-wideband digital receivers and DRFM (digital radio frequency memory) devices, gallium nitride (GaN)-based solid-state active electronically scanned array (AESA) jammer transmitters, and interferometric direction finding systems. For the advanced electronic attack application, these technologies are adapted to the lower-frequency ranges that are required to jam modern anti-stealth air defence systems, the output power is increased, and everything is repacked in a pod to make it a role-specific solution.

Saab EW systems are in use by customers worldwide. The firm can provide everything from electronic support measures, radar warner receivers and jammers to self-protection systems with missile approach warners and countermeasure dispenser systems.