Israeli manufacturer Elisra, Hellenic Aerospace Industries (HAI) and Raytheon are to supply the electronic warfare (EW) suite for the Greek air force Lockheed Martin F-16C/DBlock 50 Plus.
Detailed negotiations are scheduled to begin this month with a contract signing expected by March. Greece signed a deal for 50 F-16C/D Block 50 Plus and launched an international competition to procure an EW suite.
The EW competition was shelved last September, with the defence ministry asking Greek industry to supply the system in co-operation with overseas suppliers. Thomson, Litton, Raytheon and Elisra submitted bids, the latter teamed with HAI for the $200 million deal.
The Greek air force has been briefed on Elisra's Advanced Self Protection Suite (ASPS), offered by the Israeli company for installation on the F-16 Block 50 Plus.
F-16s currently operated by the Greek air force are equipped with Litton/BAE Systems/Raytheon Advanced Self Protection Integrated Suite (ASPIS). Prior to the original tender's cancellation, Raytheon offered the Greek air force an advanced version of this system.
The Elisra ASPS is based on the EW suites used in the Israeli air force's Boeing F-15Is. The Israeli company is also supplying the EW systems for the F-16I, selected last year by Israel.
Greek sources say the EW suite will be based on Elisra's system. In a subcontractor capacity, Raytheon will supply 35% of the content.
Source: Flight International
