IVEWS: 500+ Flight Hours, 300+ Sorties, One System Rises Above the Rest

In the realm of modern aerial warfare, while 5th and 6th-generation fighters emphasize stealth and connectivity, systems such as the F-16 rely on established electronic warfare technologies like the Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) to safeguard pilots and ensure freedom of maneuver in contested airspace. IVEWS has demonstrated its exceptional capability with over 500 flight hours and 300 sorties against multiple, simultaneous land, surface, and airborne radio frequency (RF) threats.

IVEWS undergoing flight test. (Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force)

Outsmart. Outmaneuver.

With decades of innovation from Northrop Grumman behind it, IVEWS excels in detecting, identifying, and countering advanced threats, ensuring the safety of pilots and the readiness of aircraft. It is recognized as the most advanced ultra-wideband electronic warfare system for the F-16, a critical enhancement allowing pilots to engage effectively.

IVEWS stands out as the only F-16 electronic warfare suite equipped with pulse-to-pulse interoperability with the Viper’s AN/APG-83 SABR AESA radar, delivering capability without compromise—eliminating filtering, blackouts, and protecting targeting capabilities. In high-threat environments, this elevated protection is vital for mission success.

IVEWS in Northrop Grumman’s advanced manufacturing facility. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

The U.S. Air Force has selected IVEWS as the electronic warfare program of record for the F-16, acknowledging the unique advantages it delivers for Viper pilots.

Protection Designed to Evolve

Static threats are quickly being outpaced by more dynamic and mobile systems that operate across a broad electromagnetic spectrum. Such threats can activate and deactivate in rapid succession, creating complications for electronic warfare systems.

IVEWS will implement an open architecture that allows for ongoing advancements. Northrop Grumman’s extensive experience with open systems aligns with the Air Force’s Big Iron initiative, which prioritizes open architecture for electronic warfare to facilitate swift integration of new capabilities with minimal aircraft downtime. As threats advance, IVEWS will seamlessly adapt.

IVEWS undergoing flight test at a U.S. government range, validating its capability to detect and counter advanced RF threats. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

As noted by Shalini Gupta, vice president of electronic warfare and targeting at Northrop Grumman, “You cannot defeat what you cannot see. A modern EW suite is essential for operations in contested airspace. We are producing fully functional, flight-proven systems now. From day one, our customers gain the ability to geolocate threats with a single aircraft, and the confidence that comes with having a U.S. program of record system onboard.”

Source: Northrop Grumman (2026-08-26T13:59:00Z)