US modernizes electronic warfare systems on Ukrainian F-16s

27 August, 2024 F-16 fighter jet of the Ukrainian Air Force. August 2024. Photo credits: Office of the President of Ukraine

The United States has reprogrammed the electronic warfare system on Ukrainian F-16s to counter modern Russian threats. Defense Visual Information Distribution Service of the US Department of Defense reported on this news. Engineers from the 68th Electronic Warfare Squadron of the U.S.

Air Force upgraded the future Ukrainian aircraft. This center of excellence for electronic warfare is dedicated to improving the capabilities and survivability of U.S. aircraft. Together with Danish and Norwegian experts, the Americans reprogrammed electronic warfare systems on F-16 fighters from Denmark and the Netherlands.

Engineers from the 68th Squadron said that the electronic warfare subsystems needed to be updated so that the new aircraft could effectively integrate into the Ukrainian air force and be effective against new Russian threats. The work on the aviation systems proved to be difficult due to the tight deadlines and the modification of a system that is not in service with the United States. The systems are not named, but it is clear that Danish and Dutch aircraft were equipped with the AN/ALQ-131 and AN/ALQ-10 systems (the Danish variant of the AN/ALQ-162).

In particular, the AN/ALQ-162 systems were integrated into the ECIPS pylons with which the first Dutch F-16s arrived in Ukraine. These systems detect the radiation and operation of enemy radar systems, such as anti-aircraft missiles, aircraft radars, and air defense systems, and prevent them from detecting and targeting aircraft.

Ukrainian F-16 fighter with ECIPS pylon, August 2024

The 68th Squadron assembled a special team of experienced experts to accomplish the difficult task. Based on the data provided by Denmark and Norway, the engineers studied the system design and developed approaches for its reprogramming.

Together with their partners, the specialists tested the updated system's operation. "This is not our standard operating procedure. The fact that the team was able to figure out the system in two weeks, go in the country with a partner to develop the best-ever mission data file is unheard of and is thanks to the talent here in the squadron and the wing," the 68th EWS director noted.

The squadron commander noted that F-16s with reprogrammed electronic warfare systems alone will not provide air dominance but will provide a situational advantage to pilots in achieving objectives that can ensure impact and success on the battlefield.

The US Department also announced that Ukraine is an official customer of the 68th Squadron under the FMS program.

This will allow the unit to provide support, timely updates, and modernization of electronic warfare systems based on experience and recommendations from the Ukrainian military.