Israel to equip F-16I fleet with Elbit self-protection upgrade
The Israeli Air Force operate nearly 100 F-16I jets. (Photo: IDF)
The $80-million contract for the development and installation of the Advanced Self-Protection Suite on the F-16I further boosts Israeli Air Forces’ (IAF's) fleet survivability.
The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMoD) has awarded Elbit Systems a US$80-million contract for the development and installation of an advanced airborne self-protection suite on its F-16I Sufa fleet.
According to Elbit, the suite will include an electronic warfare (EW) solution, integrated with an advanced electro-optical passive missile warning and launch detection system as well as a chaff and flare dispensing system for protection against guided missiles.
These systems will enable “enhanced protection” from a variety of threats, the technology company added.
The deal is seen by the IMoD as helping to provide "production independence in Israeli defence industries and reduce dependency on external factors.
"This is to ensure the IDF’s qualitative military edge and support its current and future operational needs under all conditions."
This award is one such recent contract Elbit has made with air forces in the last year to boost fleet survivability against electronic warfare threats. In 2024, it was awarded with US$175 million worth of contracts to supply an EW and directed infrared countermeasure self-protection suite to a NATO European country.
Israel operates 97 F-16I Sufa jets in its fleet, out of an ordered 102, which Lockheed Martin produced specifically for the country according to IAF requirements.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Bell’s FLRAA receives MV-75 designation from US Army, first operational division revealed]()
Bell’s FLRAA receives MV-75 designation from US Army, first operational division revealed
The US Army also added that it would push to get the long-range assault aircraft online “years ahead” of its original 2030 timeline.
-
![UK RAF’s Protector programme hits new milestones, more aircraft expected this year]()
UK RAF’s Protector programme hits new milestones, more aircraft expected this year
Further tests will be carried out on the existing fleet, ahead of the Royal Air Force’s anticipated transition from MQ-9A Reaper aircraft to the MQ-9B Protector by the end of 2025.
-
![US approves $1.45 billion sale to UAE for CH-47 Chinooks and F-16 sustainment]()
US approves $1.45 billion sale to UAE for CH-47 Chinooks and F-16 sustainment
Both the possible sale for six Chinook helicopters and F-16 sustainment will bolster existing UAE fleets and the country’s position as a US partner and ally, according to the DSCA.
-
![US Army cancels FTUAS and the MQ-1 Gray Eagle as part of the Army Transformation Initiative]()
US Army cancels FTUAS and the MQ-1 Gray Eagle as part of the Army Transformation Initiative
Last week, it was revealed that the US Army intended to cancel the long-running Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS). The revelation, no doubt part of the Army Transformation Initiative (ATI), came a week after the force highlighted that it would cancel the procurement of Gray Eagle aircraft.
-
![UK receives two additional F-35B aircraft as deliveries resume]()
UK receives two additional F-35B aircraft as deliveries resume
The two aircraft were delivered in the TR-3 configuration, bringing the RAF one step closer to fulfilling its order for 48 F-35B aircraft.
