Israel to equip F-16I fleet with Elbit self-protection upgrade
The Israeli Air Force operate nearly 100 F-16I jets. (Photo: IDF)
The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMoD) has awarded Elbit Systems a US$80-million contract for the development and installation of an advanced airborne self-protection suite on its F-16I Sufa fleet.
According to Elbit, the suite will include an electronic warfare (EW) solution, integrated with an advanced electro-optical passive missile warning and launch detection system as well as a chaff and flare dispensing system for protection against guided missiles.
These systems will enable “enhanced protection” from a variety of threats, the technology company added.
The deal is seen by the IMoD as helping to provide "production independence in Israeli defence industries and reduce dependency on external factors.
"This is to ensure the IDF’s qualitative military edge and support its current and future operational needs under all conditions."
This award is one such recent contract Elbit has made with air forces in the last year to boost fleet survivability against electronic warfare threats. In 2024, it was awarded with US$175 million worth of contracts to supply an EW and directed infrared countermeasure self-protection suite to a NATO European country.
Israel operates 97 F-16I Sufa jets in its fleet, out of an ordered 102, which Lockheed Martin produced specifically for the country according to IAF requirements.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Sikorsky advances Black Hawk modernisation with new engine ground tests
The UH-60 helicopter ground run test of the T901 engine is the first in a set of tests for boosting the helicopter’s range and lift capacity. The first flight of the improved engine Black Hawk is anticipated for later in 2025.
-
Third Australian Triton UAS completes testing
Australia received its first MQ-4C Triton uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in August last year with another two expected to be delivered this year.
-
US Navy’s next-generation sensor for Super Hornets achieves Initial Operating Capability
The full rate production decision is scheduled for first-half 2025 and this will authorise the US Navy (USN) to fully outfit its carrier-based F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons with InfraRed Search-and-Track (IRST) Block II.