Elbit Wins U.S. Missile Warning Contract For F-16s

Lockheed Martin

Elbit Systems of America will install pylon-based infrared missile warning systems for Air National Guard F-16s under a contract worth up to $472 million, the U.S. Defense Department announced March 5. 

The acquisition, which is funded under the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account, includes an initial obligation of $17 million and can rise in value as additional task orders are awarded. 

The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center opened the contract to bids, but received only one offer, according to the contract announcement.

Eblit declined to provide details immediately after the contract award. 

The U.S. subsidiary of the Israeli company has an existing product line that may qualify. Elbit advertises that the Infrared Passive Airborne Warning System (PAWS-2) has been integrated and proven in combat on the F-16, although it doesn’t identify the customer. A specification sheet for the PAWS-2 notes it is qualified on a Terma pylon.

Steve Trimble

Steve covers military aviation, missiles and space for the Aviation Week Network, based in Washington DC.