F-16 Squadrons

The F-16 Squadrons Program is a critical Air Force initiative focused on the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of upgrades and modernization efforts for the F-16 multi-role fighter fleet. The program supports approximately 40% of the USAF fighter inventory, with over 830 aircraft performing a range of missions including air-to-air, air-to-surface, close air support, and suppression of enemy air defenses. The overarching goal is to ensure the F-16 remains a viable and interoperable platform into the 2040s by capitalizing on advancements in avionics, computer processing, radar, and structural technologies. These upgrades are essential for maintaining affordable capacity, posture, and readiness for both the USAF and partner nations under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

Operational Flight Program (OFP) Updates are a central component of this line item, with annual software releases developed organically by the 309th Software Engineering Group at Hill AFB, UT. The objective is to integrate new mission capabilities, weapons, targeting pods, and avionics enhancements to meet Department of Defense mandates and evolving operational requirements. The OFP effort also includes upgrades to Systems Integration Labs (SILs), which are necessary for efficient software integration, validation, and testing. Planned activities support the fielding of new OFP versions, integrating advanced weapons such as LRASM, AARGM-ER, MALD-J, and SDB II, as well as bolstering cyber defense and secure data management capabilities.

F-16 Integrated Test activities provide developmental and operational flight testing for all F-16 programs, including upgrades to weapons, hardware, and software. These tests are conducted at Eglin, Edwards, and Nellis AFBs, ensuring modifications are validated and certified for operational use. Plans include completion of SCU 13 and 14 testing, M-Series OFP testing, and integration of new hardware such as Brake Controller System and Digital Flight Control Computer. Investments are made in instrumentation, test weapons, and IT infrastructure to support expanded testing and certification requirements, including SEEK EAGLE compatibility.

Simulator Trainers Program (STP) aims to maintain concurrency between F-16 simulators and the latest OFP software releases, thereby enhancing aircrew training and reducing maintenance costs. Funding focuses on developing and fielding simulator upgrades aligned with new OFP releases, implementing agile software development features, and addressing configuration changes associated with aircraft modernization. These efforts support warfighter readiness by ensuring training environments reflect current operational capabilities and reduce the need for live aircraft in training roles.

AIFF Mode 5 is dedicated to upgrading identification friend-or-foe capabilities to comply with DoD mandates for secure and reliable combat identification. The program involves hardware and software/firmware updates, including the development and certification of the APX-127 solution, which is cost-shared with FMS partners such as Taiwan and Morocco. Objectives are to complete flight and ground testing, achieve AIMS platform-level certification, and field the upgraded system across USAF and FMS fleets.

AESA Radar upgrades transition the F-16 from mechanically scanned APG-68 radar to electronically scanned APG-83 AESA radar, providing advanced targeting, electronic protection, and improved reliability. Funding initiates radar software development, focusing on enhanced data link integration, combat identification, maritime detection, and electronic protection improvements. Additional engineering support is allocated for RF compatibility and radar integration with other mission systems, ensuring the F-16 remains competitive with emerging threats.

Other notable efforts within the program include Modular Mission Computer (MMC)/Programmable Display Generator (PDG) Upgrades, which enhance processing power and cybersecurity for avionics, and Data Bus Cybersecurity, which increases cyber resiliency for MIL-STD 1553 data buses. The Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) and M-Code initiatives address electronic warfare and secure GPS requirements, though these programs are completing or transitioning out of active development. The F-16 Squadrons Program is structured to ensure continued modernization, operational effectiveness, and interoperability for the F-16 fleet well into the future.