Elbit Systems Ltd., a leading Israeli defense company, has secured an $80 million contract from the Israeli Ministry of Defense to develop and install advanced protection technology on the Israeli Air Force’s F-16I fighter jets. This initiative aims to ensure the survivability of the aircraft in increasingly complex and diverse aerial threat environments, reflecting the evolving operational challenges faced by the fleet.
The protection system developed by Elbit Systems combines advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities with a passive electro-optical (EO) missile launch and warning detection system (PAWS). These technologies provide early threat detection and enable swift responses to a wide range of aerial threats, significantly enhancing crew safety and platform resilience. This upgrade aligns with broader efforts to maintain the technological edge of Israel’s air forces.
The F-16I “Sufa,” manufactured by Lockheed Martin and tailored to the specific requirements of the Israeli Air Force, is an advanced variant of the F-16D Block 52. This multirole aircraft features conformal fuel tanks, an enlarged dorsal spine for additional equipment, and optimized electronic systems. Powered by a General Electric F110-GE-100 or Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine, the F-16I can reach a maximum speed of 1,500 mph, an operational altitude of 60,000 feet, and carry up to 17,000 pounds of ordnance across 11 hardpoints. Its versatility makes it effective in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.