Hellenic Air Force evaluates advanced sensor upgrades for F-16 fleet

The Hellenic Air Force is evaluating advanced sensor technologies to upgrade its F-16 fleet, specifically focusing on enhancing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

Israeli firm IAI-ELTA has presented the ELM-2060PES, a new generation reconnaissance radar utilizing Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology. This system is designed to create detailed digital terrain maps and identify moving vehicles or vessels in various weather conditions through Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) functions.

Simultaneously, a competition is underway to select a new targeting pod for the F-16 Viper aircraft. The primary contenders are the American Lockheed Martin Sniper ATP/NTP and the Israeli Rafael Litening 5. While the Sniper system benefits from existing compatibility with the Viper upgrade, the Litening 5 offers advanced mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensors. Decisions regarding these procurement processes are expected to be finalized in the near future.