Indra developing EW jammer pod for aircraft

A generic escort jammer pod displayed in front of the Eurofighter EK at the ILA Berlin Airshow 2022. While not mentioned in Indra's announcement, its new pod could be pitched to this upcoming German requirement. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)

Indra is developing an electronic warfare (EW) jammer pod for aircraft operating in the electromagnetic spectrum.

The Spanish company announced on 22 January that the EW self-protection pod is designed to be carried by combat aircraft in the escort jammer and stand-off jammer roles.

“For its development, in addition to the experience acquired over more than 40 years of work in the electromagnetic spectrum, Indra is applying part of the knowledge gained in multinational research and development programmes driven by the EU [European Union], such as REACT (Responsive Electronic Attack for Cooperative Tasks), an initiative in which it has co-ordinated the work of the continent's main specialised companies,” Indra said.

Indra did not disclose technical specifications of the new pod, except to say that “it includes radar, laser, and missile warning receivers to provide maximum situational awareness; a sophisticated management system; and actuators based on electronic countermeasures (ECM), such as the ALQ‑500P EW system in its pod version, already in service with several customers; or its advanced InShield DIRCM (directional infrared countermeasures) system, which uses laser technology to deflect different types of missiles”.

As noted in the announcement, these systems combined “provide advanced jamming, early warning, and threat‑suppression capabilities to protect aircraft from all types of surface‑to‑air and air‑to‑air attacks. Their modular architecture ensures an optimal balance between power, range, and low electromagnetic signature to adapt to different mission types”.

Indra did not say when the new pod will be ready for fielding, or if a customer has been signed up.

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