F-16 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS)

F-16's in air over mountains

An electronic warfare suite that’s a generation ahead

Freedom to maneuver in a near-peer conflict depends on spectrum dominance. The AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) is designed to give F-16 electronic warfare (EW) capabilities on a par with fifth-generation aircraft, significantly enhancing survivability for operations in contested and congested electromagnetic spectrum environments.

Northrop Grumman’s ultra-wideband suite can detect, identify and counter advanced radio frequency threats, including millimeter wave systems.

The only electronic warfare Program of Record for the U.S. Air Force F-16 fleet, IVEWS is also available for export.

Learn more about Electronic Warfare
F-16 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite hardware components, including processor and common digital receiver/exciter

Common EW architecture. Uncommon capabilities.

The design of IVEWS incorporates Northrop Grumman’s ultrawideband electronic warfare system architecture. This architecture, shared with other Northrop Grumman electronic warfare systems, offers cost advantages, shorter upgrade cycles and logistical efficiencies not possible with other systems.

IVEWS includes a next-generation digital radar warning receiver, an advanced processor designed specifically for EW applications, and high-powered transmitters with antennas optimized for the size, weight, and power requirements of the F-16.

radars lined up in lab

Proven AESA interoperability

IVEWS’s pulse-to-pulse interoperability with the Viper’s advanced AN/APG-83 SABR AESA radar provides capability without compromise — no filtering, no blackouts, and no diminished protection or targeting capability. The result is advanced survivability without compromising the Viper’s lethal bite.

Flying in Exercise Northern Lightning, IVEWS was put to the test in a dense and demanding electromagnetic spectrum environment featuring multiple advanced ground emitters and more than 20 airborne radars. Hitting more than 170 test points, IVEWS and SABR didn’t miss a beat — operating seamlessly together throughout the exercise.

Learn more about SABR (Scalable Agile Beam Radar) APG-83 AESA
military aircraft group in flight

Exportable and extensible

Radio frequency threats don’t care whose flag you’re flying under. IVEWS is the electronic warfare suite for the USAF F-16 fleet, but operators of the Viper worldwide face the same advanced threats. IVEWS is available for export to international partners, bringing commonality and advanced survivability to the global fleet.

The advanced protections built into IVEWS are not limited to fighter aircraft. Northrop Grumman has products with its electronic warfare architecture that makes it possible for aircraft of all sizes, from unmanned aircraft up to airlifters, to execute missions safely in contested spectrum environments.

In the News

F-16 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite hardware components, including processor and common digital receiver/exciter

New F-16 Electronic Warfare System ‘on Par with Fifth-Gen’ Enters Flight Test (Air & Space Forces)

f-16 integrated viper electronic warfare suite in lab

Northrop Grumman Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite Cleared for Flight Testing

F-16's in air over mountains

F-16 electronic self-protection system reaches milestone, sets up operational test (DefenseScoop)

F-16's in air over mountains

US Air Force F-16s fitted with IVEWS set to take to the skies in 2024 (Shephard Media)

military jet in flight

Turkey selects Northrop Grumman for F-16 EW upgrades (Janes)

military jet deploys flares in air

F-16 electronic self-protection system completes government lab integration (DefenseScoop)

F-16's jet flying over mountains

Northrop Grumman F-16 Electronic Warfare Suite Counters Modern Radio Frequency Threats During Air Force Testing

SABR (Scalable Agile Beam Radar)

Northrop Grumman Advances F-16 Electronic Warfare Suite Integration

F-16 sitting on runway

Northrop Grumman Demonstrates Next Generation Electronic Warfare and Radar Interoperability at Northern Lightning

close-up of electronic attack pod

Modernized Electronic Warfare for the Global F-16 Fleet

Media Inquires

Stephen Lamb
stephen.lamb@ngc.com
(847) 271-9080