F-16 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS)
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.
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.
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.
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
Northrop Grumman’s Mission Solutions Aim To Keep Fourth-Generation Aircraft Lethal And Survivable (The War Zone Wire)
New F-16 Electronic Warfare System ‘on Par with Fifth-Gen’ Enters Flight Test (Air & Space Forces)
Northrop Grumman Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite Cleared for Flight Testing
F-16 electronic self-protection system reaches milestone, sets up operational test (DefenseScoop)
US Air Force F-16s fitted with IVEWS set to take to the skies in 2024 (Shephard Media)
F-16 electronic self-protection system completes government lab integration (DefenseScoop)
Northrop Grumman F-16 Electronic Warfare Suite Counters Modern Radio Frequency Threats During Air Force Testing
Northrop Grumman Demonstrates Next Generation Electronic Warfare and Radar Interoperability at Northern Lightning
Media Inquires
Stephen Lamb
stephen.lamb@ngc.com
(847) 271-9080