Northrop Grumman has successfully tested a new electronic warfare system for the F-16 fighter.

The company said the updates, dubbed the AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite or IVEWS, performed better than the benchmarks set in the simulation.

The new electronic warfare system allows F-16 fighters to withstand threats using modern radio frequencies.

The company said that IVEWS has more efficient broadband power amplifiers and adaptive countermeasures, which allow the aircraft to respond faster, cover extended frequencies, and detect threats in all directions.

IVEWS uses modular, open systems design principles, the company added.

“This successful evaluation under very challenging conditions is an important step on the path to fielding the suite,” Northrop Grumman said.

In 2019, the Air Force selected Northrop Grumman to begin developing a prototype of a new electronic warfare system for the F-16.

Northrop said its new system would be compatible with the on-board AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar, which the company also produces.

In May 2022, Northrop received another contract from the PS to prepare IVEWS for development testing and full equipment qualification.

During the test, simulated air defense radar pulses were injected directly into IVEWS to verify the suite’s ability to recognize and counter advanced threats.

The tests, which have now been completed, took place in a proven emulator that allows electronic warfare technology to be tested in realistic conditions, Northrop said.

Recall that L3Harris Technologies is also advancing in development for the F-16 Block 70/72 Viper Shield electronic warfare system.