Advancements in Electronic Warfare: Leveraging IVEWS and SABR for the F-16

Date: October 27, 2025

In the realm of advanced military aviation, Northrop Grumman‘s Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) and Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar represent a transformational leap forward for the F-16 aircraft. Individually formidable, their combined capabilities offer unprecedented operational advantages, enhancing both survivability and combat effectiveness in increasingly complex aerial combat environments.

The Spectrum Battle

Modern fighter aircraft leverage the radio frequency spectrum for a multitude of missions, including targeting, self-defense, and surveillance. A primary advantage of the IVEWS lies in its design, which allows it to interface seamlessly with the SABR AESA radar. This integration enables simultaneous usage of the electromagnetic spectrum, thereby maximizing operational effectiveness.

Synergistic Operations

• Enhanced Awareness: IVEWS and SABR maintain continuous digital communication on a pulse-to-pulse basis, allowing real-time tracking of spectrum allocation.
• Uninterrupted Functionality: There is no degradation in radar performance when IVEWS engages in countermeasure operations, allowing pilots to conduct complex radar tasks without fear of compromising their defensive capabilities.

Lethality Through Survivability

As noted by James Conroy, Vice President of Electronic Warfare and Targeting at Northrop Grumman, “Mastering the electromagnetic spectrum facilitates a multitude of operations.” In environments characterized by high stakes and advanced countermeasures, the ability to integrate systems significantly boosts the operational safety and efficacy of warfighters battling in contested airspace.

Adapting to Evolving Threats

The nature of 21st-century threats is characterized by rapid evolution, necessitating sophisticated and adaptive responses from electronic warfare systems. Where once enemies could be mapped in advance, today’s threats are mobile and can change their operational frequencies with little notice.

Key Features of IVEWS

• Ultra-Wideband Architecture: IVEWS is engineered to detect and counteract a broad spectrum of advanced threats effectively.
• Operational Readiness: Adaptability to dynamic combat scenarios allows IVEWS to detect, identify, and neutralize threats in real-time, providing protective measures that extend beyond standard detection zones.

Proven Efficacy in Operational Testing

Selected by the U.S. Air Force in 2019, IVEWS has undergone extensive testing, including more than 70 flight sorties in challenging electromagnetic scenarios. Since 2013, Northrop Grumman has delivered over 900 SABR systems, underscoring the reliability of these advanced technologies.

Real-World Application

The first operational tests of IVEWS took place during the U.S. Air Force’s Northern Lightning exercise in 2021, showcasing its capabilities against a variety of airborne and ground threats. Prior to this, rigorous testing in controlled environments ensured its readiness for combat scenarios.

Lt. Col. Christopher B. James of the USAF remarked on the successful Operational Assessment, highlighting, “The collaborative efforts of the USAF F-16 System Program Office, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and other partners resulted in exceptional outcomes. Remarkably, IVEWS executed flawlessly during its inaugural flight, a testament to its advanced integration.”

Since completing its assessment, IVEWS has accumulated over 250 flight hours, consistently demonstrating its effectiveness against diverse airborne, maritime, and terrestrial challenges.

A Future-Ready Fleet

Manufactured entirely in the United States, IVEWS and SABR are poised to deliver enhanced performance across the global fleet of over 2,800 F-16 aircraft. These electronic warfare systems not only ensure advanced capabilities but also set the stage for future innovations, positioning the F-16 a generation ahead of non-integrated platforms.

By combining cutting-edge technologies with proven methodologies of warfare, Northrop Grumman reinforces the importance of synergy in modern military operations, ensuring that U.S. Air Force pilots maintain a significant edge in the evolving landscape of air combat.