America enhances Ukrainian F-16 electronic warfare tech

As outlined in a recent announcement, the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing (SWW) is enhancing the electronic warfare (EW) capabilities of F-16 fighter jets being delivered to Ukraine.

This is being led by the 68th Electronic Warfare Squadron in collaboration with Danish and Norwegian partners, following statements made by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a recent NATO Public Forum.

The 68th EWS focuses on improving the lethality and survivability of U.S. forces and their allies. As the conflict continues, both Ukrainian and Russian forces have heavily relied on the electromagnetic spectrum, employing tactics such as jamming and spoofing to gain advantages in the operational environment.

With the recent transfer of F-16s from Denmark and Norway to Ukraine, the 68th EWS faced the urgent task of reprogramming the aircraft’s EW subsystems. This challenge, say the U.S. Air Force, was compounded by the fact that the system used on the new jets is not currently part of the U.S. inventory.

A representative from the 68th EWS remarked, “Most reprogramming centres would have said ‘no way’ when approaching this challenge; it’s uncharted policy… If not us, then who? We’re the best people to do this.”

The squadron assembled a team of seasoned experts and emerging engineers to tackle this challenge. By relying on data provided by their partners in Denmark and Norway, they adapted their processes to meet the requirements for effective reprogramming.

In an unique approach, team members were sent to a partner-nation laboratory to work directly with coalition members on the development and testing of the EW systems. The director of the 68th EWS stated, “The fact that the team was able to figure out the system in two weeks… is unheard of and is thanks to the talent here in the squadron and the wing.”

Through this collaborative effort, the 68th EWS successfully tested and verified the necessary adaptations for the Ukrainian F-16s, improving the reprogramming processes for all parties involved. One lead equipment specialist commented, “Without combining efforts, this would not have been possible.”

Ukraine’s inclusion as a foreign military sales case for the 68th EWS will enable the squadron to provide ongoing reprogramming capabilities based on feedback from Ukrainian forces.