Israeli F-16Is to Feature Elbit Systems’ Advanced Protection with Early Threat Detection
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Elbit Systems Ltd., a leading Israeli defense company, has secured an $80 million contract from the Israeli Ministry of Defense to develop and install advanced protection technology on the Israeli Air Force’s F-16I fighter jets. This initiative aims to ensure the survivability of the aircraft in increasingly complex and diverse aerial threat environments, reflecting the evolving operational challenges faced by the fleet.
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The F-16I “Sufa,” manufactured by Lockheed Martin and tailored to the specific requirements of the Israeli Air Force, is an advanced variant of the F-16D Block 52 (Picture source: Israeli Air Force)
The protection system developed by Elbit Systems combines advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities with a passive electro-optical (EO) missile launch and warning detection system (PAWS). These technologies provide early threat detection and enable swift responses to a wide range of aerial threats, significantly enhancing crew safety and platform resilience. This upgrade aligns with broader efforts to maintain the technological edge of Israel’s air forces.
The F-16I “Sufa,” manufactured by Lockheed Martin and tailored to the specific requirements of the Israeli Air Force, is an advanced variant of the F-16D Block 52. This multirole aircraft features conformal fuel tanks, an enlarged dorsal spine for additional equipment, and optimized electronic systems. Powered by a General Electric F110-GE-100 or Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine, the F-16I can reach a maximum speed of 1,500 mph, an operational altitude of 60,000 feet, and carry up to 17,000 pounds of ordnance across 11 hardpoints. Its versatility makes it effective in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
The F-16I’s arsenal includes air-to-air missiles (AIM-120 AMRAAM, Python 3), air-to-surface missiles (AGM-65 Maverick, AGM-88 HARM), laser-guided bombs (GBU-10/12), cluster munitions, and rocket systems. Equipped with the APG-68 (V9) radar, the aircraft boasts advanced target detection and tracking capabilities. Its defensive measures include MALD decoys and navigation and targeting pods, enhancing its survivability in challenging operational environments.
Elbit Systems is recognized globally for its innovative defense solutions proven in operational scenarios. Its aerial protection systems, already adopted by several NATO members and European countries, demonstrate its ability to address growing demands for aerial security. This contract with the Israeli Ministry of Defense further underscores the trust in its advanced technologies.
Oren Sabag, General Manager of Elbit Systems’ ISTAR & EW division, expressed the importance of this collaboration, stating, “We are honored to work once again with the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Israeli Air Force. Protecting aerial platforms is crucial in today’s environment, and Elbit Systems continues to deliver advanced solutions in this domain.”
This agreement represents an ongoing effort to modernize the F-16I fleet and ensure its operational relevance amidst evolving challenges. It reflects Israel’s commitment to preserving its technological superiority in the air domain while effectively safeguarding its crews and missions. In a geopolitical landscape characterized by rapidly advancing threats, this project positions Elbit Systems as a significant player in the global defense sector.
This collaboration highlights the growing importance of aerial protection technologies and the F-16I’s role in Israel’s operational capabilities. It also emphasizes Elbit Systems’ expertise in addressing the defense industry’s demand for effective and adaptable solutions.
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Elbit Systems Ltd., a leading Israeli defense company, has secured an $80 million contract from the Israeli Ministry of Defense to develop and install advanced protection technology on the Israeli Air Force’s F-16I fighter jets. This initiative aims to ensure the survivability of the aircraft in increasingly complex and diverse aerial threat environments, reflecting the evolving operational challenges faced by the fleet.
The F-16I “Sufa,” manufactured by Lockheed Martin and tailored to the specific requirements of the Israeli Air Force, is an advanced variant of the F-16D Block 52 (Picture source: Israeli Air Force)
The protection system developed by Elbit Systems combines advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities with a passive electro-optical (EO) missile launch and warning detection system (PAWS). These technologies provide early threat detection and enable swift responses to a wide range of aerial threats, significantly enhancing crew safety and platform resilience. This upgrade aligns with broader efforts to maintain the technological edge of Israel’s air forces.
The F-16I “Sufa,” manufactured by Lockheed Martin and tailored to the specific requirements of the Israeli Air Force, is an advanced variant of the F-16D Block 52. This multirole aircraft features conformal fuel tanks, an enlarged dorsal spine for additional equipment, and optimized electronic systems. Powered by a General Electric F110-GE-100 or Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine, the F-16I can reach a maximum speed of 1,500 mph, an operational altitude of 60,000 feet, and carry up to 17,000 pounds of ordnance across 11 hardpoints. Its versatility makes it effective in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
The F-16I’s arsenal includes air-to-air missiles (AIM-120 AMRAAM, Python 3), air-to-surface missiles (AGM-65 Maverick, AGM-88 HARM), laser-guided bombs (GBU-10/12), cluster munitions, and rocket systems. Equipped with the APG-68 (V9) radar, the aircraft boasts advanced target detection and tracking capabilities. Its defensive measures include MALD decoys and navigation and targeting pods, enhancing its survivability in challenging operational environments.
Elbit Systems is recognized globally for its innovative defense solutions proven in operational scenarios. Its aerial protection systems, already adopted by several NATO members and European countries, demonstrate its ability to address growing demands for aerial security. This contract with the Israeli Ministry of Defense further underscores the trust in its advanced technologies.
Oren Sabag, General Manager of Elbit Systems’ ISTAR & EW division, expressed the importance of this collaboration, stating, “We are honored to work once again with the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Israeli Air Force. Protecting aerial platforms is crucial in today’s environment, and Elbit Systems continues to deliver advanced solutions in this domain.”
This agreement represents an ongoing effort to modernize the F-16I fleet and ensure its operational relevance amidst evolving challenges. It reflects Israel’s commitment to preserving its technological superiority in the air domain while effectively safeguarding its crews and missions. In a geopolitical landscape characterized by rapidly advancing threats, this project positions Elbit Systems as a significant player in the global defense sector.
This collaboration highlights the growing importance of aerial protection technologies and the F-16I’s role in Israel’s operational capabilities. It also emphasizes Elbit Systems’ expertise in addressing the defense industry’s demand for effective and adaptable solutions.
