The Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD) has awarded Elbit Systems a contract worth approximately USD 80 million (EUR 76 million) for the development and initial installation of an advanced airborne self-protection suite on the Israeli Air Force’s (IAF’s) fleet of F-16I Sufa combat aircraft, the company announced on 27 January 2025.

Under the contract the company will equip the IAF with “cutting-edge self-protection suites designed to further robust the survivability of the F-16I aircraft, enabling it to operate safely in hostile environments”, the company stated in a press release.

The suite will include a state-of-the-art electronic warfare (EW) solution integrated with an advanced electro-optical (EO) passive missile warning and launch detection system (PAWS), enabling enhanced protection from a wide range of threats.

“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,” said Oren Sabag, general manager of Elbit Systems’ ISTAR and EW system business. “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.”

The IAF operates a fleet of 174 F-16Is along with 49 F-16Ds, according to the FlightGlobal 2025 World Air Forces Directory. The F-16Is are modified variants of the twin-seat F-16D Block 50/52.

The IAF’s F-16I Sufa combat aircraft are modified variants of the twin-seat F-16D Block 50/52. (Photo: Elbit Systems)