BAE Upgrades U-2

Oct. 21, 2005

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

The Dragon Lady is getting some new tools. BAE Systems says that the Air Force’s U-2 reconnaissance aircraft has attained initial operational capability with the new AN/ALQ-221 Advanced Defensive System. The AN/ALQ-221 is a modern integrated radar warning receiver and electronic countermeasure system that provides pilots with situational awareness and self-protection against current and future threats, according to BAE. The system is part of the Block 20 U-2 modernization program and is integrated with the aircraft’s upgraded avionics processor and multifunction cockpit displays.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

Trending Stories

New Report: Air Force Needs 200 B-21s, 300 F-47s to Deny Enemy ‘Sanctuaries’

Air Force Grapples with Challenges to Aircraft Readiness: Parts and Maintainers

US F-35 Shoots Down Iranian Drone near Aircraft Carrier; F-16s Escort Threatened Tanker

USAF to Security Forces Airmen: Sharpen Up Your Greetings

Related

US Launches Renewed Strikes Against ISIS in Syria

Feb. 5, 2026
U.S. aircraft, drones, and attack helicopters have launched significant airstrikes in recent days against Islamic State militants in Syria as part of the renewed air campaign against remnants of the group, U.S. officials said.

USAF to Security Forces Airmen: Sharpen Up Your Greetings

Feb. 4, 2026
Senior Air Force leaders have a message for security forces Airmen: Set a better example. “To security forces: you are expected to set the example by upholding standards and enforcing rules with integrity," states a Jan. 30 memo from Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach and Chief Master Sergeant…

New Report: Air Force Needs 200 B-21s, 300 F-47s to Deny Enemy ‘Sanctuaries’

Feb. 4, 2026
In order to deny China “sanctuaries” from which it can launch air and missile salvos during a potential invasion of Taiwan, the U.S. Air Force needs to buy far more B-21 bombers and F-47 fighters than currently planned, according to a new report from AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.