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Netherlands taps Northrop Grumman for electronic countermeasures

By Ryan Maass
Northrop Grumman says the upgraded pods will make Royal Netherland Air Force pilots safer by improving threat detection and jamming capabilities. Photo by Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman says the upgraded pods will make Royal Netherland Air Force pilots safer by improving threat detection and jamming capabilities. Photo by Northrop Grumman

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Northrop Grumman has been contracted by the Royal Netherlands Air Force to upgrade AN/ALQ-131 electronic countermeasure pods for its F-16 fleet.

Under the agreement, the company will aim to improve threat detection and jamming capabilities for the aircraft, a move they add will make pilots safer in an evolving threat environment.

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"The digital technology in the AN/ALQ-131 upgrade provides a significant leap in capability for electronic countermeasures, giving RNLAF aviators a superior level of protection wherever their missions take them," Northrop Grumman programs vice president Robert Fleming said in a press release.

The AN/ALQ-131 pods to be upgraded are marketed as fifth-generation electronic warfare technology. The devices are used by 12 countries including the United States with various platforms such as the A-10 Thunderbolt II, the F/A-18 Super Hornet, and the F-35 Lightning II.

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