n a groundbreaking collaboration, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Altera, an Intel Company, have successfully demonstrated the capabilities of the 12th Generation Electronic Warfare (Gen12) transceiver, utilizing Altera’s Agilex™ 9 Direct RF FPGA (Multi-Chip Package, MCP-2). The demonstration, dubbed SWIFT (SHIP-enabled Wideband Transceiver Integrated Flight Test) by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD-R&E), took place at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground and marks a significant step in advancing the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) electronic warfare capabilities.
A Rapid Turnaround for Innovation
The SWIFT project, which required Lockheed Martin to perform an electronic warfare demonstration aboard a Group 2 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) within 12 months, showcased the Gen12’s Electronic Support (ES) capability by detecting, identifying, and locating real enemy emitters in a simulated combat environment. This test proved the readiness of Altera’s Direct RF FPGA to perform real-world missions, highlighting the device’s potential to revolutionize electronic warfare with its ability to provide low size, weight, and power (SWaP) solutions for airborne platforms.
Transforming Electronic Warfare
The collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Altera resulted in a Sensor Open System Architecture (SOSA)-aligned digital transceiver, capable of performing Electronic Support (ES) and Electronic Attack (EA) missions. The success of the SWIFT demonstration proved that domestically produced semiconductors could drive cutting-edge capabilities for the U.S. military, ensuring both technological advancements and operational readiness in mission-critical scenarios.
Dr. Steven Walker, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the significance of the collaboration: “This demonstration signifies an important step forward for Lockheed Martin’s strategic partnership with OUSD-R&E and Altera on ensuring warfighter access to state-of-the-art, U.S.-made microelectronics. The SHIP program’s transformative influence on DoD capabilities bolsters confidence in these ongoing advancements and paves the way for their integration throughout the military in support of our customers’ most critical missions.”
The SHIP Program’s Role in U.S. Defense
The SWIFT demonstration exemplifies the success of the OUSD-R&E’s State-of-the-Art Heterogeneous Integrated Packaging (SHIP) program, which focuses on delivering U.S.-made, secure microelectronics for DoD applications. As part of this broader initiative, Lockheed Martin was selected as an early access partner to transition the MCP-2 device for electronic warfare applications under the Stimulating Transition for Advanced Microelectronics Packaging (STAMP) contract. The SHIP program’s emphasis on SWaP reductions is a key component in enhancing DoD capabilities, with future military applications ranging from targeting information to enhanced situational awareness.
John Sotir, Senior Director at Altera, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “Leveraging decades of leadership in chiplet development and manufacturing has led to the rapid readiness and availability of production-quality, SWaP-centric MCP-2 products for future mission requirements.”
What’s Next for Lockheed Martin and Altera?
The successful SWIFT demonstration opens the door for continued collaboration between industry partners and the DoD. Lockheed Martin plans to further develop and showcase the Gen12’s capabilities in both Electronic Support (ES) and Electronic Attack (EA) missions. These advancements are expected to transition into future DoD Programs of Record, with the ultimate goal of delivering powerful, low-SWaP solutions to the warfighter.
The SHIP program’s impact is expected to grow as these technologies are further integrated into various military platforms, providing critical operational advantages for U.S. and allied forces.
Conclusion: Paving the Way for the Future of Electronic Warfare
The SWIFT demonstration marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of electronic warfare, underscoring the importance of advanced U.S.-made microelectronics in supporting critical defense missions. Lockheed Martin and Altera’s partnership has not only delivered groundbreaking technology but also showcased the potential for rapid innovation in the face of evolving military needs. The success of this project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the ongoing efforts to secure the technological future of the U.S. military.
