BriteCloud decoy for combat aircraft moves closer to US service
A recommendation from the Air National Guard could pave the way for use of the BriteCloud decoy on US F-16s and other fourth-generation combat jets. (Image: Leonardo)
The Air National Guard has 'recommended' use of the BriteCloud 218 decoy system following a series of DoD trials.
The US Air National Guard (ANG) has issued a ‘fielding recommendation’ for Leonardo’s BriteCloud 218 expendable active decoy, after testing on F-16 aircraft.
According to the company, this means the service, which has conducted testing and live trials with BriteCloud since 2019, is confident that the decoy meets operational requirements, delivering an increased protection capability to fourth-generation fighter aircraft.
The USAF has now designated BriteCloud 218 as AN/ALQ-260(V)1, identifying it as an airborne EW countermeasure.
BriteCloud packages Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) jamming technology into a form factor that can be launched from standard countermeasure dispensers, using its onboard EW capability against radar-guided threats.
Already in service with the UK RAF's Eurofighter Typhoon fleet. BriteCloud is undergoing evaluation for potential US service under the Office of the Secretary of Defense Foreign Comparative Testing (OSD FCT) programme.
The BriteCloud 218 rounds evaluated under FCT are standard-sized rectangular countermeasures compatible with common dispensers including the AN/ALE-47 and can equip other fourth-generation aircraft such as the F-15, F/A-18 and A-10.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Anduril to supply loitering munitions to Ukraine with UK funding]()
Anduril to supply loitering munitions to Ukraine with UK funding
Since July 2024, the UK Government has provided more than £5.26 billion in support to Ukraine, including £3 billion in annual military aid and a £2.26 billion loan for defence spending. The latest deal will see Anduril supply Altius-600M and Altius-700M loitering munitions.
-
![Leonardo and Baykar join forces to develop uncrewed aerial systems]()
Leonardo and Baykar join forces to develop uncrewed aerial systems
Baykar’s AKINCI drone will be the first focus platform for the joint venture, with the first prototype targeted for development in 12 to 18 months.
-
![Boeing delivers last Apache AH-64E Guardian attack helicopter to British Army]()
Boeing delivers last Apache AH-64E Guardian attack helicopter to British Army
The helicopters have been remanufactured using common parts from the British Army AH-64 MkI fleet with the 17 not being converted going for a range of uses such as engineering, ground handling and other training.
