OVERVIEW: BriteCloud is an expendable, active electronic decoy designed to counter radar-guided missile threats targeting aircraft. It is launched from standard countermeasure dispensers and uses onboard DRFM jamming to create false radar returns and disrupt missile tracking.

DETAILS: BriteCloud is a self-contained DRFM-based decoy developed by Leonardo to provide aircraft with an offboard jamming capability without requiring integration into onboard electronic warfare systems. It is available in multiple form factors, including 55 mm (BriteCloud 55), 2″×1″×8″ (BriteCloud 218), and a smart-compatible version (BriteCloud 55-T) designed for NATO-standard STANAG 4781 dispensers supporting 2×16 round configurations. The system captures incoming radar signals, digitally manipulates them, and re-broadcasts false targets to confuse and decoy radar-guided missiles.

It is loaded into countermeasure dispensers such as BOL or AN/ALE-47-compatible systems and requires no modification to the host aircraft, allowing rapid operational use.

BriteCloud’s Function:
It is ejected from the aircraft like a traditional flare or chaff.
Once deployed, it uses Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) technology to capture radar signals, manipulate them, and retransmit a false radar echo.
This produces a deceptive radar signature, fooling enemy radars and radar-guided missiles into locking onto the decoy instead of the aircraft.

Unlike passive decoys (e.g., chaff), BriteCloud is active, meaning it has its own onboard electronics to generate jamming signals.
Despite being active, it is still categorized as a decoy because its mission is to mimic or simulate the aircraft’s radar return and lure the threat away.

IOC: 2018
Platforms: Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4, Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen, Saab JAS 39NG Sea Gripen, RAF Tornado GR4, MQ-9 Reaper

SOURCE:
Leonardo: https://www.leonardo.com/en/innovation/britecloud ; Leonardo Press Release: https://www.leonardo.com/en/press-release-detail/-/detail/leonardo-introduces-britecloud-55-t-the-first-expendable-decoy-for-the-protection-of-military-transport-aircraft ; Airforce-Technology: https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsleonardo-introduces-new-britecloud-decoy-variant-after-live-trials-5838670/ ; Defense Aerospace: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/britecloud-decoy-successfully-tested-on-saab-gripen/ ; Leonardo USA: https://www.leonardo.us/news/leonardo-upgrades-britecloud-decoy-with-new-smart-features