Media: Ukrainian F-16s receive early warning system for missile attack

The F-16 multi-role fighter jets already in service with Ukraine are equipped with the latest PIDS and ECIPS missile early warning systems. They provide a vital improvement to the aircraft's self-defense capabilities.

According to Militarny, the Danish-designed Terma PIDS+ pylons were identified through videos posted on the official Telegram channel of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Terma equipped the fighters of all European Air Force (EPAF) member states with Hensoldt AAR-60(V)2 (MWS) systems. They allow the aircraft to detect and counteract attacking missiles in advance.

The MWS consists of six sensors - three on each of the two pylons - and one computer. The arrangement of the sensors provides almost complete spherical coverage around the aircraft.

The traps are fired at an angle so that they shoot diagonally downward and do not hit the missile mounted on the wingtip of the fighter jet.

At the same time, military expert Agil Rustamzadeh noted that the aircraft also have the Electronic Combat Integrated Pylon System Plus (ECIPS+).

"The planes will carry these infrared warning sensors on specialized underwing pylons that are also capable of holding false traps and dipole reflectors, as well as jammers for electronic warfare. Simply put, they have a good chance of avoiding enemy missiles," Rustamzadeh said.

According to Forbes, the means of protecting fighters from missile attacks include the Integrated Pylon Dosing System and the Integrated Electronic Warfare Pylon System: PIDS and ECIPS. Both were created by the Israeli company Elbit and partner Terma in Denmark. European F-16 operators began installing the modernized pylons several years ago.

PIDS ejects metal mesh and hot flares to shoot down radar- and infrared-guided anti-aircraft missiles. The ECIPS contains passive defenses that complement the active net and missiles, including the AN/ALQ-162 jamming system to defeat radar on the ground and the AN/AAR-60 missile warning system to launch passive defenses.

Together, PIDS and ECIPS provide comprehensive protection for the F-16 against a wide range of enemy miss iles. For the Ukrainian air force, which has already lost more than 90 of its approximately 125 pre-war military aircraft, these self-defense systems meet an urgent need, the publication writes.

As noted in the article, the systems will not protect aircraft from Russian missile attacks by 100%, but will at least delay damage or save the lives of pilots.

The media outlet also notes that the effectiveness of PIDS and ECIPS will largely depend on the deployment of the aircraft. If they mostly fly air defense missions deep inside Ukrainian territory, they may only have to deal with the longest-range Russian missiles. But if the F-16s fly many of their assault missions right on the front lines, they will face much heavier fire.

"But even at their most vulnerable, the F-16s will be better protected than Ukraine's old Soviet aircraft, most of which have no jamming devices," the article said.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- On August 4, Zelensky officially confirmed Ukraine's receipt of Western F-16 fighters. According to the head of state, modern fighters are already performing tasks.

- The president also said that Kyiv expects to receive additional F-16s from its Western partners. The number that is already available today is not enough.

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