AV to Deliver BADGER Phased Array Systems Under SCAR Program Option

California-based AV (Applied Visions) has been awarded a new contract option to deliver additional BADGER phased array antenna systems in support of the U.S. Army’s SCAR (Sensing for Long-Range Persistent Surveillance and Reconnaissance) program. The BADGER system is designed to enhance airborne signals intelligence (SIGINT), electronic warfare (EW), and ISR capabilities through compact active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology optimized for Group 4/5 UAVs and manned aircraft.

BADGER System Overview

The BADGER (Broadband Agile Digitally-Governed Electronic Reconnaissance) is a modular AESA-based phased array antenna developed by AV in collaboration with L3Harris under the broader SCAR initiative. The system is engineered for multi-mission ISR roles including:

Signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection
Electronic surveillance measures (ESM)
Direction finding and geolocation of emitters
Electronic order of battle mapping

BADGER leverages digital beamforming techniques to simultaneously monitor multiple frequency bands across a wide field of regard. Its design emphasizes low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C), making it suitable for integration on medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAVs such as MQ-9 Reaper or manned platforms like Beechcraft King Air variants used in Army ISR fleets.

Contract Details and Program Context

The latest award represents an exercised option under an existing indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract between AV and L3Harris Technologies. While financial terms were not disclosed publicly, the original contract—initiated in 2021—supports scalable deployment of BADGER arrays across multiple airframes as part of the U.S. Army’s modernization efforts in tactical ISR.

The SCAR program itself is managed by the U.S. Army Program Executive Office – Intelligence, Electronic Warfare & Sensors (PEO IEW&S). It aims to develop next-generation sensing solutions that can detect, identify, locate, and track adversary emitters at extended ranges with minimal latency—critical for contested electromagnetic environments.

Technical Capabilities and Integration Potential

BADGER’s core strength lies in its software-defined architecture paired with AESA hardware. Key technical features include:

Multi-beam operation with simultaneous signal tracking
C-band through Ku-band coverage depending on configuration
Low-probability-of-intercept/low-probability-of-detection (LPI/LPD) passive sensing modes
Open mission systems architecture compliant with CMOSS/SOSA standards

This flexibility allows BADGER arrays to be integrated into various mission payloads or podded configurations. The system supports real-time data fusion with onboard processing or relay via high-bandwidth datalinks to ground stations for exploitation by analysts or AI-assisted threat identification tools.

Tactical Relevance Amid Evolving Threat Environments

The demand for agile SIGINT/EW sensors like BADGER is rising due to adversaries’ increasing use of mobile emitters, frequency hopping radios, radar decoys, and GNSS spoofing techniques. In theaters such as Eastern Europe or the Indo-Pacific region—where electromagnetic spectrum dominance is contested—systems like BADGER provide critical situational awareness without requiring active emissions that could compromise platform survivability.

The U.S. Army’s shift toward Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) further underscores the importance of distributed sensing platforms capable of persistent surveillance across large areas without relying on fixed infrastructure. By deploying BADGER-equipped UAVs or aircraft ahead of maneuver forces, commanders gain early warning on enemy movements or EW threats.

L3Harris Role and Future Outlook

L3Harris serves as the prime contractor under the SCAR umbrella while AV provides specialized sensor payload development. According to company statements from both firms during AUSA events and recent earnings calls:

L3Harris integrates BADGER into broader airborne ISR packages alongside COMINT receivers or radar systems.
The companies are exploring export-compliant variants for allied partners under Foreign Military Sales channels.
A roadmap exists for future software upgrades enabling AI-assisted emitter classification onboard.

This latest delivery option suggests continued confidence from DoD stakeholders in BADGER’s operational utility—and may pave the way toward full-rate production if field evaluations continue yielding positive results during operational assessments conducted by Army aviation units.

Conclusion: Compact AESA Sensors Gain Traction Across Domains

BADGER exemplifies a broader trend toward compact AESA-based sensors that can offer strategic-level ISR effects from tactical platforms. As military forces seek more resilient sensor architectures amid growing spectrum congestion and anti-access threats, modular solutions like those offered under SCAR will likely see expanded adoption not only within U.S. services but also among NATO allies facing similar challenges across Eastern Europe and beyond.