Raytheon’s ADVEW prototype passes key review

Raytheon has announced the completion of a significant review for its new Advanced Electronic Warfare (ADVEW) prototype, which is being developed for the US Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The system is designed to replace the aircraft’s current electronic warfare equipment, with the aim of improving its defensive capabilities and survivability, according to a September 22 press release. 

The review was described as a key step in validating the progress of the prototype’s software development. This included its integration with flight-representative hardware and other self-protection subsystems, as well as its alignment with government reference architecture.

The company has also held a Test Plan Working Group to ensure that the ADVEW’s in-flight performance can be efficiently and collaboratively evaluated. Raytheon has stated that further demonstrations and the delivery of shipsets for government-run integration testing are planned for the coming months. “We are on track with our fast-paced schedule and will continue developing the system to meet all necessary requirements on the US Navy’s accelerated fielding timeline,” Daniel Theisen, president of Advanced Products & Solutions at Raytheon said. 

Raytheon is in competition with L3 Harris for the final contract to replace the EW system on the F/A-18E/F fleet. It announced that it had completed hardware checks and capability demonstrations in November 2024 as part of its effort. Those checks were done by 3D printing representative components and ensuring that they would fit into the F/A-18 in partnership with Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer. Raytheon announced that its ADVEW prototype had completed its delta design review in December 2024. A delta design review is a focused, supplemental design review that is conducted to assess changes or updates made to a design after a major review has already been completed. The term “delta” refers to a change or difference. It was essentially Raytheon’s own effort to supplement the critical design review. 

Both companies were down-selected to develop their prototypes under a contract awarded in 2023 with a final selection expected in 2026. At the time, the US Navy was expected to carry out validation of the L3 Harris solution on an actual F/A-18 in late-2025.

Tech profile: The F/A-18’s existing EW capabilities 

The ADVEW programme is expected to replace the AN/ALQ-214 integrated defensive electronic countermeasure and AN/ALR-67(V)3 radar warning receiver on the F/A-18E/F aircraft. In the process, it is expected to improve the EW capabilities for the entire fleet. The ADVEW solution is expected to combine elements of both systems into a single unit and improve their performance. 

The AN/ALQ-214 is the on-board jamming component of the wider Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures (IDECM) suite. It is a key part of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet’s self-protection system against radio frequency (RF) threats, such as radar-guided missiles and ground-based or ship-based air defence radars. It was originally provided by L3 Harris and BAE Systems. The AN/ALR-67(V)3 is a digital Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), a critical sensor that detects and identifies hostile radar signals. It is an integral component of the F/A-18E/F’s electronic warfare suite, providing the first line of defence and crucial situational awareness. The primary function of the AN/ALR-67(V)3 is to warn the aircrew of potential threats by detecting, analysing, and identifying radar emissions from ground, air, and naval platforms. It is integrated into the AN/ALQ-214 and was supplied by Raytheon. 

Calibre comment

This programme is perhaps best understood through an appreciation of the threat that the US Navy is expecting to face. At sea, the PLA Navy is expanding its presence and capabilities. Many of its ships are believed to have relatively capable air defence systems including radar technology that has progressed significantly from the Russian systems that China was once reliant upon. They are coupled with new types of missile that have benefitted from access to advanced seeker technology. Similar systems are deployed in China’s ground-based air defence assets. In addition, the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) is introducing a range of more capable aircraft and air-to-air missiles into service that are designed to increase engagement ranges and hold key US enablers at risk. Against all of this, the PLAAF is expected to introduce a greater number of 5th generation jets into service, which will increase the challenge facing the US Navy’s aircraft. The ADVEW programme is expected to increase survivability against all of these threats. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on September 23, 2025. Credit for the lead image is: US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zoe Simpson. An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, performs a fly-over on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.