Elbit to Equip Israel’s F-16I Sufa aircraft with an advanced Airborne Self-Protection Suite
January 27, 2025
Elbit Systems has secured a contract to provide a new self-protection system for integration with the Israeli air force’s almost 100-strong fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16I Sufa combat aircraft.
The contract forms part of a wider initiative aimed at strengthening Israel’s national defence industry and reducing further any reliance on external suppliers. The initiative also aims to ensure that the Israeli Air Force (IDF/AF) can maintain its qualitative edge and operational readiness.
The project to develop and equip the F-16I Sufa with advanced self-protection systems was launched by the Israeli Ministry of Defence, through its MAFAT (Directorate of Defence Research & Development) and the Defence Procurement Directorate (Manhar), in collaboration with the Israeli Air Force. Elbit Systems led the project, integrating its latest and most cutting-edge technologies in an effort to maximize protection of the aircraft in contested environments and complex combat scenarios.
Under the contract, the company will equip the Israeli Air Force with cutting-edge self-protection suites designed to further strengthen and improve the survivability of the F-16I aircraft, enabling it to operate more safely in hostile environments.
The new self-protection suite will include a state-of-the-art Electronic Warfare (EW) solution that confers advanced capabilities for disrupting and neutralizing threats. This is integrated with an advanced Electro-Optical (EO) Passive Missile Warning and Launch Detection System (PAWS), enabling early identification of, and enhanced protection from, a wide range of threats. An advanced Chaff and Flare Dispensing System will also be included, adding an extra layer of protection against heat-seeking missiles. In combination, these systems will significantly bolster the safety of the F-16I and its crews.
The F-16I Sufa is based on the F-16D Barak, but is heavily modified with Israeli-designed systems. The IAF operates a Sufa Division consisting of four squadrons, with 119 Tayeset
(The Bat Squadron), 201 Tayeset (‘The One Squadron’) and 253 Tayeset (The Negev Squadron) based at Ramon AB and 107 Tayeset (Knights of the Orange Tail Squadron) at Hatzerim AB.
It is unclear as to whether Israel’s older F-16C and F-16D Barak aircraft will receive the same upgrade. 115 Tayeset (The Flying Dragon Squadron) said goodbye to its last F-16C at Ovda on 16 July 2024 leaving 101 Tayeset (The First Fighter Squadron) at Ramat David as the last operator of the single-seat F-16C-40-CF Barak in Israeli service. 101 Tayaset is augmented by two squadrons of two-seat Baraks at Ramat David, 105 Tayeset (The Scorpion Squadron) flying the F-16D-40-CF Barak and 109 Tayeset (The Valley Squadron) with the F-16D-30-CF and the F-16D-40-CF Barak.
Oren Sabag, General Manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR & EW said that: “We are honoured to be once again selected by the Israel Ministry of Defence and the Israeli Air Force to equip the F-16I fleet with our most cutting-edge self-protection suite. In today’s global landscape, safeguarding aerial platforms is crucial. Elbit Systems has cemented its position as a global leader in airborne platform protection, delivering an extensive portfolio of advanced solutions installed onboard various aerial platforms.”
Elbit Systems offers a range of advanced, operationally proven self-protection systems for a variety of aircraft and helicopters, for domestic and export customers, including NATO and European air forces. As global threats increase, the company’s self-protection suites are drawing ever greater global interest, and Elbit has secured numerous contracts in recent years.
