spad_s.xiii wrote:
If US has a technology or capability that they really don't won't to expose to adversaries, it won't end up on the export versions. After all, it is a US aircraft and they have paid for most of the development. Will they admit that the export versions differs?
Hardware like radar is difficult to hide, but a couple of smaller electronic components isn't that hard to change without anyone noticing. Then, of course, we have the software.
I really doubt there is any differences in hardware and even software is questionable IMO (due to very high costs of developing, testing and upgrading those things). However USA definitely controls all the data that is used by that software like mentioned like threat libraries, EW/RF waveform libraries/data, countermeasures techniques, sensor fusion data/configuration etc. The hardware and software can be identical but what those do can be quite different with different data.
spad_s.xiii wrote:
I heard from a Czech EW operator that they will be very limited to what they will be allowed to do with libraries and data. That does not sound especially efficient or encouraging, but maybe he did misunderstand, as it frankly sounds very strange. It would be interesting to hear from today's customers what they are allowed to do regarding data and libraries and what US is taking caring of?
https://www.350sww.af.mil/Units/350th-S ... /F-35-PSC/
MISSION
The F-35 PSC provides the capability to program, test and field F-35 Mission Data for Partner Nation and FMS customers. The PSC develops, operates, and maintains state-of-the-art F-35 hardware-in-the-loop MD Verification and Validation labs. The PSC aids in developing Modeling and simulation capability for F-35 MD testing. The PSC also provides help developing a systems engineering approach to MD and tools for the F-35 reprogramming enterprise.
Established in 2016, F-35 Partner Support Complex (PSC) is a named, civilian led unit reporting to the 350th Spectrum Warfare Group (SWG). The PSC’s core mission is to provide F-35 mission data (MD) development and testing support to the F-35 foreign partners. In 2019, the mission expanded to include FMS customers. This activity is 100% funded by the supported nations, including: United Kingdom, Australia, Norway, Italy, Denmark, Netherlands, Japan, Korea, Israel, Poland and Belgium. These nations are not allowed to conduct independent test operations outside of the CONUS based on US policy. United States Government (USG) security rules and National Defense Policy (NDP) requires that US citizens perform specific functions in order to protect critical US technology. The unit supports the partners and customers in their MD development and testing missions and is responsible for USG requirements associated with the F-35. The unit is designated as a complex since the organization will be conducting research and advanced development missions.
MISSION STATEMENT
Produce, test, and deliver electromagnetic spectrum capabilities to our US Partners and Allies in the F-35 program in order to gain a competitive advantage and freedom to attack, maneuver, and defend.
VISION
Support our F-35 Allies with the best electronic warfare capabilities available.
PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES
The PSC is made up three main flights; Australia/Canada/United Kingdom Reprogramming Lab (ACURL) with 40 British and 20 Australian military personnel working alongside 30 US personnel; The Norway/Italy Reprogramming Lab (NIRL) with 8 Italian and 7 Norwegian military personnel working with 35 U.S. personnel; the MDx Reprogramming Lab (XRL) supporting all other F-35 nations and customers with 40 US personnel.
So yeah, this is very seriously protected capability and other nations are limited to what they can do or have access to.
spad_s.xiii wrote:
What happened to the Israeli EW version? They were not too impressed with the standard AN/ASQ 239 and feared that stealth wouldn't have such an important role after 10-15 years, IIRC. Maybe a little bit pessimistic, or optimistic regarding radar and IR development.
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/PDF/M ... sraeli.pdf
According to Lockheed Martin spokesperson Eric Schnaible, the company modified the F-35 for Israel in three main areas: command, control,
communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I), electronic warfare, and weapons integration.
Initially, the US refused to allow Israeli modifications to the F-35. The compromise reached involved not changing anything inside the aircraft, but allowing the Israelis to add capabilities on top of the existing infrastructure.
State-run Israel Aerospace Industries, for example, is working on a C4I overlay for the F-35, with Lockheed Martin
“It’s open architecture, which sits on the F-35’s central system, much like an application on your iPhone,” Benni Cohen, general manager of IAI’s Lahav
Division, told Defense News last year.
“The F-35 Adir aircraft has also been provisioned to allow updates to EW and weapons interfaces,” Schnaible said.
“The design of aircraft installations, power, and cooling have been modified to provide IAF the ability to incorporate indigenous weapons.”
But of course we are yet to see if Israel can use their indigenous weapons from F-35.
