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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![USMC advances MV-22B Osprey safety and reliability upgrades]()
USMC advances MV-22B Osprey safety and reliability upgrades
The US Marine Corps is testing a redesigned input quill assembly and plans to transition its MV-22B fleet to improved gearboxes by January 2033 as it prepares to operate the tiltrotor through 2055.
-
![Ageing RQ-11 Raven fleets create a global replacement opportunity]()
Ageing RQ-11 Raven fleets create a global replacement opportunity
The RQ-11 Raven is being retired from service across most of its more than 30 operators. Defence Insight estimates that these Raven retirements open up a replacement market worth at least $576 million, but suppliers will have to act quickly and strike a balance between cost and capability to succeed.
-
![August drone digest: AEVEX solidifies large US loitering munition market share as procurement models shift]()
August drone digest: AEVEX solidifies large US loitering munition market share as procurement models shift
AEVEX has strengthened its position in the US loitering munition market with another contract award, solidifying its position as the second-largest supplier of the capability in the US. Elsewhere in August, new and emerging programmes in Sweden and Germany point to a broader shift towards larger, rolling framework agreements for loitering munitions across Europe.
