Recommendation:
Whether through the program of record or separate initiatives, modernization upgrades for the electron warfare (EW) suite require the following capabilities: proactive and directed offensive electronic attack, electronic warfare situational awareness improvements, and self-protection capabilities that include radar cross section (RCS) reduction, infrared countermeasures, and defensive jamming from an expendable RF Decoy. The USAF and ANG have identified and validated defensive shortfalls in the F-16 integrated EW system against radar guided missiles. F-16s require an RF Expendable Jammer as a launch and leave electronic decoy round that would be released from the aircraft via a pylon mounted or other internal dispenser system in response to an unobserved radar-guided missile threat. This requirement is necessary in deployed locations OCONUS. Accordingly, EW sustainment funding must be reinstated, and legacy obsolescence addressed with interim capabilities for the 333 combat-coded ANG F-16 aircraft.