The Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) represents a significant advancement for the F-16 Fighting Falcon, enhancing its electronic warfare capabilities to meet modern threats. Developed by Northrop Grumman, IVEWS combines advanced threat detection and countermeasures with awareness technologies, drawing on decades of F-16 operational data to prepare for 21st-century challenges.
Northrop Grumman describes IVEWS as an "advanced electronic warfare suite that improves survivability against modern threats by detecting, identifying, and defeating enemy radar systems." The system features a modular open-architecture design with enhanced digital radar warning receivers and digital radio frequency memory jammers. It integrates artificial intelligence for automated countermeasures, reducing pilot workload during missions.
Testing conducted by the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base validated IVEWS's performance in simulated combat environments. Lt. Col. Stephen Graham, F-16 Electronic Warfare Test Director, emphasized that the system elevates the aircraft to a "fourth generation plus" status.