Northrop Grumman Elevates the F-16 with Next-Gen Electronic Warfare and Advanced Radar Power

Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) and Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) AESA radar have transformed the F-16 Fighting Falcon into one of the most capable fourth-generation fighters in the world. Each system on its own provides exceptional capability, but together, they offer unmatched survivability and lethality in the world’s most contested airspaces.

Mastering the Electromagnetic Spectrum

At the heart of their effectiveness is complete control of the electromagnetic spectrum. Both the SABR radar and IVEWS electronic warfare suite operate within the radio frequency domain — essential for targeting, detection, and self-defense. Northrop Grumman designed these systems from the outset to work in harmony, allowing them to share and operate on the same frequencies without interference.

Through advanced digital coordination, IVEWS and SABR communicate on a pulse-to-pulse basis, constantly exchanging data about spectrum usage. This synchronization ensures that the radar can perform complex targeting operations while IVEWS simultaneously detects, identifies, and counters enemy threats. Unlike older systems that require filtering or reduced radar performance during jamming, this integration enables both systems to operate at full strength without compromise.

Survivability That Enables Lethality

“Dominating the electromagnetic spectrum paves the way for all other operations,” said James Conroy, vice president of electronic warfare and targeting at Northrop Grumman. “In these high-threat environments, having systems that work together gives warfighters a significant advantage, allowing them to operate safely and effectively in contested airspace.”

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This seamless coordination means survivability directly enhances lethality. Pilots protected by IVEWS can engage targets confidently using SABR’s advanced radar capabilities, even when operating near powerful enemy air defense systems. The result is a combat aircraft that not only survives — but dominates.

Built for Modern, Evolving Threats

Today’s battlefields are unpredictable. Adversaries deploy mobile, adaptive air defense systems that shift locations and frequencies at a moment’s notice. Traditional threat mapping is no longer sufficient — fighter aircraft must detect and respond in real time.

IVEWS was designed with an ultra-wideband architecture and high onboard power to detect, identify, and jam the world’s most advanced threats. “The U.S. and its allies are encountering these same challenges worldwide,” Conroy noted. “IVEWS was built to detect and protect against them — no matter how complex or fast they evolve.”

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Proven Performance in the Field

The U.S. Air Force selected IVEWS in 2019, and the system has since completed a rigorous Operational Assessment, flying more than 70 sorties in dense electromagnetic environments. Its debut came during the Air Force’s Northern Lightning exercise in 2021, where IVEWS and SABR operated side-by-side in an environment filled with both airborne and ground-based threats.

Lt. Col. Christopher B. James, USAF Deputy Division Chief for F-16 Programs, praised the system’s performance: “Our USAF F-16 team, working with Northrop Grumman and industry partners, successfully completed Operational Assessment with excellent results. The system worked perfectly on its very first flight — unprecedented for such an advanced, integrated electronic warfare system.”

Since that assessment, IVEWS has logged more than 250 flight hours, demonstrating consistent success against a wide range of threats. Meanwhile, Northrop Grumman’s SABR radar — in service since 2013 — has more than 900 units delivered globally, proving its reliability and combat readiness.

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A Generation Ahead

Proudly designed and built in the United States, both IVEWS and SABR are ready to safeguard the global fleet of more than 2,800 F-16 aircraft. Together, they provide a generational leap in capability — ensuring pilots can operate freely, survive in contested environments, and deliver decisive effects when it matters most.