The United States Air Force has tasked BAE Systems with modernizing the electronic warfare capabilities of the U-2 “Dragon Lady,” under a contract managed through Robins Air Force Base.
BAE will deliver sustained field support for the aircraft’s AN/ALQ-221 Advanced Defensive System, including maintenance, repairs, and software upgrades designed to enhance survivability and operational awareness. The contract value remains undisclosed, with work taking place at the company’s site in Nashua.
The AN/ALQ-221 combines advanced sensors, radar warning capabilities, onboard processing, and electronic countermeasures, allowing the aircraft to operate in high-threat environments.
The U-2 Dragon Lady traces its origins to the 1950s, when it was developed covertly by Kelly Johnson at Lockheed Skunk Works. Over time, it has been upgraded with modern avionics and communication systems, with the latest version completing its first flight in 2023.
Powered by a General Electric F118-101 engine, the aircraft can fly above 70,000 feet, cover distances exceeding 11,000 kilometers, and reach speeds of around 660 km/h.
The U-2 has played a vital role in intelligence gathering, from Cold War missions over the Soviet Union—including surveillance during the Cuban Missile Crisis—to operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Balkans, as well as humanitarian and disaster response missions.
