Northrop Grumman is expanding its efforts to sell the ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) to international markets, targeting F-16 operators, business jets, and larger military aircraft. The company’s pitch is supported by the system’s recent designation as a formal program of record for the U.S. Air Force and its integration onto a new U.S. Army platform.
The Air Force has proposed spending $2.5 billion over the next five years on the IVEWS program. This follows a $30 million award to Northrop Grumman and approximately $187 million in congressional funding directed last year. The service has completed operational assessments involving 550 flight hours across 300 sorties, moving the system through Milestones B and C for production.
Mike Minahan, Northrop Grumman’s vice president for mission systems, stated that the system is a key focus at international events like the Farnborough Airshow due to the global prevalence of F-16 operators. He emphasized that modern aircraft require electronic warfare capabilities to operate safely in congested airspace without being forced to the rear of formations, which can limit mission effectiveness.
While originally developed for F-16s, the IVEWS has been adapted for other platforms. The U.S. Army selected the system for the ME-11B High-Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES), a modified Bombardier Global 6500 business jet used for deep sensing. Minahan noted that business jets are increasingly used for intelligence and surveillance missions abroad, making the system relevant for those applications.
Northrop Grumman is also exploring applications for mobility aircraft, such as the Boeing KC-46 and KC-135 refueling tankers. Minahan said the IVEWS capability would be helpful for pilots operating in contested airspace as these aircraft move farther forward. The company has already been selected to provide its ALQ-251 radio frequency countermeasures system for U.S. Special Operations Command and Royal Australian Air Force C-130s.
