F-16 Fighters of D.C. Air National Guard Upgrade to New AESA Radar

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES

09.10.2020

Story by 2nd Lt. Deborah Ou-Yang 

113th Wing D.C. Air National Guard

In January, the D.C. Air National Guard completed the first F-16 upgrade of APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars in the US Air Force. Developed by Northrop Grumman, the AESA radar enables pilots to detect targets at longer ranges with greater precision and maintains the viability of the F-16 to counter threats from near-peer competitors.

The AESA radar leverages the development and technology of new generations of fighter aircraft like the F-35 and F-22 to integrate older aircraft into the current generation of assets in a cost-effective way.

“The benefits of these 5th generation upgrades have been significant,” said D.C. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Christopher Wilson, commander of the 121st Fighter Squadron. “The radar is a force multiplier for our F-16 community that enables us to enhance the homeland defense mission and support the requirements of various combatant commands.”

The D.C. Air National Guard was the first unit in the country to receive the upgraded capabilities to meet a U.S. Northern Command Joint Urgent Operational Need (JUON) for homeland defense. Next to receive the AESA radar are F-16s in the New Jersey, South Carolina and South Dakota Air National Guards.

The D.C. Air National Guard F-16s, in collaboration with various other fighter wings, conducted a Cruise Missile Defense exercise in June to test the capabilities of the radar and assess its operational impact. A second, more complex exercise called GUARDIAN SHIELD 20-2 will be executed at the end of September and will include components from the Air National Guard, active duty Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army and the test community.

• Date Taken: 09.10.2020
• Date Posted: 09.29.2020 13:05
• Story ID: 378789
• Location: WASHINGTON, DC, US