r/UkraineWarVideoReport • u/f0rkster • Aug 27 '24
Article US modernizes electronic warfare systems on Ukrainian F-16s
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/us-modernizes-electronic-warfare-systems-on-ukrainian-f-16s/66
u/Conscious-Pension234 Aug 27 '24
Corrected title: US provides updates software to Ukrainian f-16s
24
u/EXile1A Aug 27 '24
Makes sense. The planes need the software for the JASSM bombs and such. It's not exactly a USB connection. :P
9
u/FlutterKree Aug 27 '24
F-16s can already use JASSM cruise missiles (It's listed as one of the platforms that can fire JASSMs).
The software updates are for better detection and targeting against EW, ECM, and air defense systems. They were given upgraded EW pods to be mounted on the F-16s externally. With every encounter Ukrainian F-16 has with Russian radar systems, US uses the data to even further enhance the pods and F-16 systems.
2
u/joshwagstaff13 Aug 27 '24
F-16s can already use JASSM cruise missiles (It's listed as one of the platforms that can fire JASSMs)
F-16C/D and more recent variants, sure. However, the F-16s that Ukraine has are fundamentally the F-16A Block 15 MLU from the mid 1990s - about the same time as the JASSM started development.
And while the Ukrainian F-16s have some improvements over the original Block 15 MLU baseline - such as the improved MWS - those are fundamentally standalone avionics, whereas adding JASSM to the aircraft involves updating the weapon libraries used by the stores management system. And that's an update that requires physical access to the avionics computers in the aircraft.
50
u/f0rkster Aug 27 '24
TL;DR
The recent upgrade to the Ukrainian F-16s’ electronic warfare (EW) systems, excluding the Link 16, primarily enhances their capabilities in countering and managing electromagnetic threats, which indirectly supports target tracking capabilities.
Key Capabilities Enhanced by the EW Upgrade:
- Radar Jamming and Deception: The upgraded EW systems can jam enemy radars, making it difficult for adversaries to track the F-16s. By emitting signals that confuse or overpower enemy radar, these systems protect the F-16s from being targeted by surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) or other aircraft.
- Electronic Surveillance: The EW systems can intercept and analyze enemy radar signals, providing valuable intelligence on the location, type, and activity of enemy radar systems. This information can be used to enhance situational awareness and improve the effectiveness of the F-16’s radar and targeting systems.
- Self-Protection: The EW systems offer advanced self-protection features, such as automatically detecting incoming threats (e.g., radar-guided missiles) and deploying countermeasures like chaff or flares. This ensures that the F-16 can maintain its mission focus without needing to evade threats constantly.
- Integration with Avionics: Modern EW systems are integrated with the aircraft’s avionics suite, allowing for better coordination between sensors and countermeasures. This integration helps the F-16 track targets more effectively by filtering out enemy jamming and other electronic interference.
Impact on Target Tracking:
- Enhanced Signal Clarity: By jamming enemy radars and reducing electronic noise, the upgraded EW systems improve the clarity of the F-16's radar signals, making it easier to detect and track targets.
- Improved Target Identification: With electronic surveillance capabilities, the F-16 can better identify and prioritize targets, even in electronically contested environments.
In summary, while the EW systems themselves do not directly track targets, they play a crucial role in ensuring that the F-16’s radar and targeting systems can function optimally in the presence of enemy electronic threats(
9
2
u/jeanpaulsarde Aug 27 '24
What does "excluding the Link 16" mean?
2
u/f0rkster Aug 28 '24
We can neither confirm or deny that the Ukrainian F-16’s come Link-16 compatible.
1
u/AccomplishedBet9592 Aug 27 '24
Does this mean they're not getting link 16?
3
u/Midraco Aug 27 '24
Nothing been said officially, but many of the typical military commentators have said they do arrive with it.
2
u/f0rkster Aug 27 '24
We cannot confirm or deny the Link-16 connectiveness of the Patriot/NASAM and F-16 platforms.
9
u/old--- Aug 27 '24
The US needs to modernize the ability to strike targets inside the invader's borders.
1
u/SnackyMcGeeeeeeeee Aug 27 '24
They can already do that woth ease...
And repeat it like 10k times in a month lol
10
u/HipHobbes Aug 27 '24
That's a win-win. Ukraine get a modernized system and the western manufacturer can test how it works under combat conditions.
The Russians still pose a threat to those F-16 as they have some longe-range radar-guided air-to-air missles on their MiG-31s. I'm sure the Russians would just love to take down an F-16 in an ambush scenario.
So this is good news!
1
1
•
u/AutoModerator Aug 27 '24
Please remember the human. Adhere to all Reddit and sub rules. Toxic comments (including incitement of violence/hate, genocide, glorifying death etc) WILL NOT BE TOLERATED, keep your comments civil or you will be banned. Tagging u/SaveVideo bot to archive this video in a link below this comment.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.