Upgraded Electronic Warfare Suite for the Global F-16 Fleet

The reliable, sustainable electronic warfare (EW) suite is designed to give the fourth generation fleet the EW capabilities and performance of fifth generation aircraft, keeping the F-16 relevant for the duration of the platform’s lifespan By DA Staff / 23 Jun 2021

Electronic Warfare & Countermeasures

Discover cutting-edge solutions from 6 leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow DA

Northrop Grumman has developed a fully modernized F-16 electronic warfare (EW) suite for international operators that draws upon the technologies developed for the United States F-16 fleet.

The reliable, sustainable ALQ-131C pod is designed to give the fourth generation fleet the EW capabilities and performance of fifth generation aircraft, keeping the F-16 relevant for the duration of the platform’s lifespan. With the integration of the APG-83 AESA radar, the F-16 gains new radio frequency sensing and targeting capabilities. 

Northrop Grumman’s open systems EW architecture offers the bandwidth needed to detect and defeat the most sophisticated RF threats, including agile air defense systems.

“The F-16 EW Suite has proven pulse-to-pulse interoperability with the APG-83 AESA radar. Our goal was to maximize the performance of both of these critical radio frequency systems to provide enhanced survivability and lethality to the platform. Our extensive testing confirms the success of this approach,” said Jim Jensen, Technical Fellow at Northrop Grumman.

Commonality with the United States F-16 program of record provides a path to long-term access to upgrades and affordable sustainment to allow operators to keep up with the state of the art to defend against current and future threats.

“Our customers are facing a greater radio frequency threat to their tactical aircraft than ever before. Our ALQ-131C, and the U.S. F-16 electronic warfare suite, are bringing the latest digital RF survivability technologies to overcome this challenge,” said James Conroy, vice president, navigation, targeting and survivability, Northrop Grumman.

The ALQ-131C is designed to detect and identify known, emerging and future threats in complex environments. The ALQ-131C’s high sensitivity digital receiver, high speed processors and Digital Radio Frequency Memory enable high fidelity digital signal generation. 

Electronic countermeasures protect warfighters from threats by detecting and applying jamming techniques to them. This level of protection enables the freedom of maneuver necessary to carry out the many missions of international operators.

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

AI-Powered Situational Awareness Platform Launched for Armored Vehicles

Maris-Tech Ltd. has introduced Diamond Ultra, a new integrated AI system designed to improve threat detection and situational awareness in armored fighting vehicles (AFVs)

Apr 25, 2025
Radiofrequency Weapon Disables Drone Swarms in Landmark Army Trial

A UK-developed radiofrequency weapon has successfully downed drone swarms in trials, showcasing a low-cost, high-impact solution to modern aerial threats

Apr 25, 2025
Q&A with DEFCROS: Key Insights for the 2025 Expo

DEFCROS Founder Kristijan Ilovača discusses the expo’s rapid growth, international ambitions, and how the event aims to support defense and security innovators

Apr 24, 2025
Precision Airdrop System Receives Marketing Approval

ParaZero has received marketing approval from the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s DECA for the DropAir™ Precision Airdrop System, developed in collaboration with Heven Drones

Apr 24, 2025
Supporting Tactical Operations & Mission Training with Enhanced Reality Systems

FlySight explains how its OPENSIGHT Enhanced Reality System delivers layered AR visualization, real-time video enhancements, and customizable overlays for airborne, tactical, and training operations

Apr 24, 2025
Rugged Electro-Mechanical Servo Actuators for Mission-Critical Aerospace & Defense Applications

Defense Advancement showcases Ultra Motion's range of rugged electro-mechanical linear and rotary servo actuators for aerospace and defense applications

Apr 24, 2025

Featured Content

Q&A with DEFCROS: Key Insights for the 2025 Expo

DEFCROS Founder Kristijan Ilovača discusses the expo’s rapid growth, international ambitions, and how the event aims to support defense and security innovators

Apr 24, 2025
Ophir® FoldIR Lens Enhances Long-Range Imaging for Defense & Security Operations

The new Ophir® FoldIR 25-275mm MWIR zoom lens delivers compact, long-range imaging with low-SWaP performance for drones and small gimbal platforms

Apr 17, 2025
Textron Systems to Support Software & Payload Development for Navy’s MCM USV

Textron Systems is set to support the software development and payload integration for the Navy’s Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), focusing on future mission capabilities and advanced system integration

Apr 14, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.