The U.S. Department of Defense has announced, Elbit Systems of America Inc. has been awarded a $471,634,000 ceiling firm-fixed-price contract for F-16 sustainment. This contract provides for a pylon-based infrared missile warning system for the F-16 platform. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be complete by February 2030. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and one offer was received. National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account funds in the amount of $17,050,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8232-20-D-0003).
Elbit Systems’ PAWS family of airborne warning systems are suitable for all aircraft types. They provide an early warning regarding the presence of MANPADS, extended range Electro-Optical guided missiles, Surface-to-Air missiles, Air-to-Air missiles, RPGs, heavy machine guns and small arms. PAWS delivers cutting-edge protection against the most challenging modern and future threats faced in battle arenas. Using sophisticated signal processing and algorithms, the systems detect and track incoming missiles, identify threatening ones, alert the aircrew with audio-visual warning signals, initiate timely flare dispensing and precisely cue Directional IR Countermeasures (DIRCM) towards an approaching missile. Operating as a comprehensive optronic protection suite the PAWS Family’s IR-CENTRICTM capabilities extend airborne superiority by maximizing platform safety and
survivability and by providing enhanced mission support.
