US Air Force F-16s fitted with IVEWS set to take to the skies in 2024
IVEWS has been designed to provide the F-16 with a next-generation EW system. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
Flight testing with the Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite should start before the end of the first quarter of 2024.
The US Air Force (USAF) has progressed with its efforts to modernise the EW capabilities of its F-16 fighter fleet and will start conducting flight trials with the AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) in the coming months.
Speaking to Shephard, James Conroy, VP of navigation, targeting and survivability at Northrop Grumman, stressed that the system has already accomplished integration lab activity with the US government which was a ‘critical’ milestone.
“The US government has a couple of [F-16] jets that they are currently in process of modification and we look forward to starting flight tests by the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Middle East UAV market underscored by $17bn in unsigned deals]()
Middle East UAV market underscored by $17bn in unsigned deals
While several UAV programmes remain unawarded in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is forecast to be the biggest spender with its potential MQ-9B and Gambit deals overshadowing others in the region.
-
![February Drone Digest: US manufacturers face the Gauntlet and find success abroad]()
February Drone Digest: US manufacturers face the Gauntlet and find success abroad
The US launched the Gauntlet test in February as part of its accelerated attack drone procurement effort while also exploring various naval capabilities that could lead to procurements down the line. Shield AI’s V-Bat, meanwhile, has been stirring up global interest.
-
![Leonardo UK “optimistic” on further Proteus funding, confirms international interest]()
Leonardo UK “optimistic” on further Proteus funding, confirms international interest
The Proteus demonstrator is being pitched as a key platform showcasing the UK’s capabilities to build autonomous systems, with Leonardo in ongoing discussions about the future of the programme with the Royal Navy and UK Ministry of Defence.
-
![Further investments in OWE and launchers to boost British Army deep fires capability]()
Further investments in OWE and launchers to boost British Army deep fires capability
Two contracts are expected to be signed by March 2026 that will help bolster the force’s capabilities, with further trials of the launcher expected across other departments.
-
![Scaling for diverse fleet needs: How many CCA will be acquired per crewed aircraft?]()
Scaling for diverse fleet needs: How many CCA will be acquired per crewed aircraft?
There is currently no industry standard in the ratio of uncrewed to crewed aircraft. Because collaborative combat aircraft vary widely in capability and crewed-uncrewed teaming availability, while country-specific requirements vary, it is unlikely that a single CCA configuration will meet all operational needs.
-
![Focus on economy over capability highlights the cost imperative for CCA success]()
Focus on economy over capability highlights the cost imperative for CCA success
Striking the right balance between cost and capability is likely to become more crucial in the increasingly competitive collaborative combat aircraft market. Shephard’s special CCA market report examines where the opportunities lie for suppliers.
