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Elbit Systems to enhance Israeli F-16I Sufa with advanced self-protection suite

January 28, 2025 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Israeli company Elbit Systems Ltd has been selected to upgrade the Israeli Air Force's fleet of F-16I "Sufa" fighter jets with a next-generation self-protection suite, reinforcing the fleet's survivability and effectiveness in contested environments.

IDFAF F-16A block 5 (original) #107 and #116 from Tayeset 116 are flying together in a beautifull evening sun. [IDFAF photo]

The new contract awarded by Israel's Ministry of Defense to Elbit Systems is valued at approximately $80 million and was announced on 27 January.

The F-16I Sufa has been a cornerstone of the Israeli Air Force's capabilities since its introduction in 2004. They were tailored to the Israel Air Force’s (IAF) requirements and primarily produced by Lockheed Martin in collaboration with domestic Israeli defense firms.

Around 50 percent of the F-16I Sufa was developed with locally-made components and systems, which include Israel Aerospace Industries producing its “conformal” fuel tanks for extended range and increased payload capacity. Elbit Systems supplied crucial avionics, such as a helmet-mounted sight and head-up display, while Rafael armed the fighter jet with advanced weaponry, including the Python 5 infrared-guided air-to-air missile.

The upgrade includes the integration of Elbit's cutting-edge self-protection suite, which features advanced radar warning receivers, missile approach warning systems, and countermeasure dispensers. These systems are designed to detect, track, and neutralize incoming threats, such as surface-to-air missiles, providing enhanced protection for pilots during missions.

A key component of this upgrade is the use of artificial intelligence and real-time data processing, which enables the system to prioritize threats and deploy countermeasures with unmatched speed and accuracy. This advanced technology ensures that pilots can remain focused on their missions while the self-protection suite handles defensive measures autonomously.

The newly integrated defense suite combines Elbit’s cutting-edge electronic warfare (EW) technology with a missile warning system optimized for rapid threat detection and response. Key components include radar warning receivers and laser warning systems, which work seamlessly with countermeasure dispensers to give pilots crucial seconds to evade or neutralize incoming threats.

A standout feature of the system is the Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) jammers. These advanced jammers capture and analyze radar signals, generating deceptive echoes that can confuse enemy radar. By making the aircraft appear in multiple locations or as several targets, the system significantly complicates enemy targeting and enhances survivability.

Advanced sensor fusion is a standout feature of Elbit's technology, combining data from multiple sensors to provide pilots with a detailed, real-time view of their environment. To counter infrared-guided threats, particularly from man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), Elbit integrates Directional Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM). These systems are designed to jam or blind missile seeker heads, ensuring enhanced aircraft protection.

Elbit’s electronic warfare technology is not limited to defense; it also features offensive capabilities designed to disrupt enemy communications, radar systems, and command networks. This dual-purpose functionality is crucial in modern electronic warfare, where achieving air superiority often depends on the ability to manipulate or disable electronic threats effectively.


Additional images:

IDFAF F-16C block 40 #514 from Tayeset 101 flies in formation behind a USAF KC-135 assigned to the 91st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron as part of a bilateral exercise on November 30th, 2022. [USAF photo by SSgt. Kirby Turbak]

IDFAF F-16D block 52 #868 from Tayeset 201 is taking off with gear retrating on November 3rd, 2009. [Photo by David Weinrich]

IDFAF F-16A block 10 #733 from Tayeset 140 is ready to taxy out at Hatzor AB ready for another sortie. [Photo via David Weinrich]