Harris Corporation is to supply the U.S. Navy with advanced ALQ-214 radio-frequency jamming devices for its aircraft.

Under a $97 million award from the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command, 46 devices will be provided for the service's integrated defensive electronic counter-measures program.

The ALQ-214 radar signal jamming units will be produced as part of the company's 12th full-rate production lot, Harris said. An option for a 13th production lot in 2016 is possible.

"The ALQ-214 is one of the most capable airborne jamming systems ever built," said Ed Zoiss, president, Harris Electronic Systems. "In the complex, contested battlespaces our aviators face, it is a critical element of their ability to outpace evolving electronic threats and maintain a strategic edge."

The Navy uses the system on its F/A-18 aircraft to block radio frequency threats posed from enemy radar and air-defense systems. The 46 systems -- plus spare weapons replaceable assemblies -- will equip new Navy aircraft as well as modernize its existing fleet F/A-18s.

The ALQ-214 was originally a product of Exelis ES, which was bought by Harris last May. (from upi.com)