Exelis, Airbus Team To Provide Missile Warning Capabilities For F-16 Falcon Fighter

Exelis has teamed up with Airbus to provide advanced missile warning capabilities for U.S. and international F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, the company said Monday.

Capabilities include lightweight protection against short-range air defense missiles and Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS).

Under the agreement, Exelis is the lead U.S. contractor for the AAR-60(V)2 Missile Launch Detection System for Fighters (MILDS F). The agreement ensures customers will have access to the best system affordability, availability and supportability for U.S. F-16 missile warning requirements.

MILDS F, an Airbus Defense and Space system, is optimized for installation on Terma's PIDS+ (Pylon Integrated Dispenser System Plus). It is the only missile warning system that is cleared to fly on board the F-16 platform through the U.S. Air Force's Seek Eagle aircraft stores certification process. Its commercial-off-the-shelf status presents an attractive and low-risk option for U.S. F-16 operators, including the U.S. Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.

"The agreement ensures that the solution is available to U.S. customers and global allies through foreign military sales," said Joe Rambala, vice president and general manager of the Exelis integrated electronic warfare systems business. "This is another important step in advancing our electronic warfare strategic growth platform."

Exelis will provide maintenance and sustainment for all U.S. customer requirements for MILDS F, as well as for future foreign military sales program opportunities. The company will also assume responsibility for the manufacture of system components in the United States, which will be performed at the Exelis facility in Clifton, New Jersey.

The MILDS F system will join a suite of other Exelis electronic protection technologies designed to enable domestic and international customers to perform their critical missions.