US delivers advanced EW systems for Ukrainian F-16s, not yet available to NATO allies
Photo: F-16 (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The United States has delivered a special upgrade of electronic warfare systems for Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets, according to the press service of the US Air Force squadron that enhanced the Ukrainian F-16s.
The squadron explained that they recently collaborated with their Danish and Norwegian counterparts to support the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine. They noted that the electronic warfare systems of the F-16s being delivered to Ukraine required reprogramming to be effective against new Russian threats.
The work was described as quite complex due to the use of equipment not currently in the arsenal of the US Air Force. Timeliness was also a critical factor, linked to the scheduled delivery date of the fighter jets to Ukraine.
The squadron also mentioned that the US Air Force will continue to receive information from Ukraine regarding the use of the new electronic warfare systems in real combat. This will enable updates to the systems, benefiting not only Ukraine but also the US and other NATO members.
During the presentation of the first Ukrainian F-16s, an ECIPS/CJS container was observed. This container is developed by the Italian company Leonardo and the Danish company Terma. Typically, such containers contain a digital electronic warfare station designed to jam radar systems of anti-aircraft systems and aircraft.
ECIPS/CJS is a cutting-edge development that, as of 2021, was still undergoing testing. Its presence on the F-16s delivered to Ukraine is therefore unexpected.
F-16s are already in Ukraine
This summer, Ukraine received the first F-16 fighter jets from its partners. Zelenskyy officially confirmed the receipt of the aircraft on the symbolic day of August 4, when the Ukrainian Air Force Day is celebrated.
Find out why Ukraine needs F-16s and how they will help repel Russian attacks in the material by RBC-Ukraine.
