Leonardo is showcasing its BriteCloud expendable active decoy in Japan for the first time at DSEI.
There is a growing interest for sophisticated RF protection across the Asia Pacific region and a company official noted that, in the specific case of Japan, the BriteCloud decoy could be effectively employed by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s (JASDF) F-2 fighters and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force’s (JMSDF) P-1 maritime patrol aircraft. It can also be fitted on special mission aircraft.
The official noted that a large number of regional operators have already expressed an interest in BriteCloud. The active decoy is well suited for fitment on the F-16, of which there are more than 500 in the Asia-Pacific region.
The U.S. Air National Guard (ANG) has already issued a ‘fielding recommendation’ for the BriteCloud 218, which has been tested on its F-16s and undergone an extensive testing and live trials campaign since 2019. The ANG has designated the BriteCloud 218 as AN/ALQ-260(V)1.
The BriteCloud 218 is smaller than Leonardo’s original BriteCloud 55 decoy, which was compatible with the round 55mm flare dispensers fitted on the Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab Gripen C/D).
The BriteCloud 218 contains a powerful miniature jammer and is fired from the aircraft like a flare. It features DRFM (Digital Radio Frequency Memory), that allows it to tailor the decoy signal for a specific threat, making it highly effective against radar-guided surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles.
by Asian Military Review, DSEI Japan 2023
