Unveiling Brite Storm: New electronic warfare game-changer
During the exhibition AUSA (Association of the United States Army) organized, the Leonardo company presented the new electronic warfare system, Brite Storm. Its objective is to penetrate air defenses and enable the operation of its own aircraft deep within enemy territory. How does Brite Storm work?
2:53 PM EDT, October 18, 2024
Brite Storm is an electronic warfare (EW) system that generates false radar images of nonexistent aircraft. According to Leonardo, an enemy attacked using Brite Storm will observe formations of approaching enemy aircraft on their radars. These ghost machines will appear to be flying, simulate attack attempts, and fire nonexistent missiles.
The system's creators claim that it is designed to be credible enough to force air defenses to waste time and resources on detecting, tracking, and attempting to destroy successive formations of nonexistent aircraft. This will lead to wasting valuable anti-aircraft missiles, which will be launched at these apparent targets.
"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," Leonardo states in a press release.
The system is designed to be versatile and scalable. It can be installed on aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones, which, during combat missions, will be capable of significantly preceding their own manned machines.
The proposed scenario for using Brite Storm envisions deploying the system across as many aerial platforms as possible, facilitated by the lightweight nature of a single module—just 6 pounds.
Tests of this solution have already been carried out—the Brite Storm system was tested during flights organized in collaboration with the Royal Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (RAF RCO). According to Leonardo, the system has proven its effectiveness. Shortly, it may be an excellent tool for infiltrating air defenses and ensuring the safety of its own aircraft.