Ukrainian F-16s Have Unique Anti-Missile Warning Device

Ukrainian F-16 fighters have been outfitted with Terma PIDS+ pylons, integrating a missile attack early warning system.

This development was confirmed by a video posted on official social media channels of the President of Ukraine. The system, developed and produced by the Danish company Terma, is a significant addition to the self-defense capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force.

The Terma PIDS+ pylons, equipped with the Hensoldt AAR-60(V)2 missile attack warning system (MWS), have been standard on fighters in several European Air Forces, including Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and Belgium since 2018. These countries, all members of the European Air Force (EPAF), ordered these systems to enhance the defensive measures of their F-16s. Given that these nations were slated to transfer their F-16s to Ukraine, it remains unclear which country provided the aircraft currently in use by the Ukrainian forces.

The missile warning system provides a critical upgrade to the F-16's self-defense suite, enabling the aircraft to detect and counter incoming missiles early. The MWS comprises six sensors and one computer, with three sensors mounted on each of the two pylons. These sensors detect ultraviolet radiation from missile engines. This configuration ensures nearly complete spherical coverage around the aircraft. The computer, installed in the right pylon, relays threat information to the Terma ALQ-213 countermeasure control system located in the cockpit. This system then selects the most effective sequence for firing thermal traps (flares) from the Flare-Up module, also housed in the PIDS+ pylon. These traps are discharged at an angle to ensure they do not interfere with the missile mounted on the fighter's wingtip.

The Terma PIDS+ and ECIPS+ (Electronic Combat Integrated Pylon System Plus) modules are integral to the onboard defense systems of the F-16AM Block 20 MLU fighters. These systems enhance the detection and evasion capabilities against various missile threats. Anti-aircraft and air-to-air missiles are detected during the active stages of their trajectories through the ultraviolet radiation emitted by solid-propellant rocket motor flares. ECIPS+ modules also feature passive interferometric direction finders that track radiation from the ARGSN of missiles and provide commands to deploy chaff and generate jamming signals via the AN/ALQ-162(V) electronic warfare container system.

These sophisticated systems complicate the detection and targeting of the F-16AM by adversaries. For instance, the 9B-1103M-200PA X-band active radar homing head of the R-77-1 air-to-air missiles faces challenges in the terminal phase of the trajectory due to these countermeasures. However, specialized modifications like the 9B-1103M-200PS ARGSN, which includes a passive mode to detect jamming signals, may still pose a threat.

Aviation expert Gareth Jennings highlighted the significance of this advancement on the social media platform 'X'. He pointed out that the Terma Pylon Integrated Dispensing System Universal (PIDSU) missile warning and electronic warfare pylons, initially fitted to Danish F-16s, have been incorporated into the Ukrainian fleet.

An official Ukrainian video, filmed at an undisclosed location, showed two F-16s: one equipped with an AIM-120 on the wingtip stations 1 and 9 and an AIM-9 on the outer wing stations 2 and 8, while the other was armed with AIM-9s on all four stations.

The use of camouflage netting at the event sparked speculation about the purpose, whether it was for immediate protection or indicative of future deployment strategies, such as austere dispersal under the ACE (Agile Combat Employment) concept.

The PIDSU is compatible with air-to-surface weapons, such as Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW).

The fact that the aircraft in the video were only equipped with standard air-to-air weapons might suggest that Ukraine is not yet prepared to reveal its offensive strategies for these aircraft.