Belgian F-16s to get Hensoldt new missile warning system.

HENSOLDT, a leading independent sensor house, will equip Belgian Air Force F-16 fighters with its proven AN/AAR-60 (V) 2 MILDS F missile warning system integrated into Terma's weapon pylon PIDS+ (Pylon Integrated Dispensing System). With this contract the majority of the European F-16 operator countries (Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands and now Belgium) are relying on HENSOLDT's MILDS F to protect their F-16s.

Belgian Air Component F-16 fighter jets
(Credit: Belgian MoD)

"MILDS F with its very low false alarm rate and fast detection combined with automatic initiation of countermeasures relieves the pilot's workload in time-critical situations and ensures the safe return of both crew and aircraft", explains HENSOLDT CEO Thomas Müller.

The AN/AAR-60 (V) 2 MILDS F (= Missile Launch Detection System, Fighter) is a passive imaging sensor detecting the UV radiation signature of approaching missiles. Several sensors linked to a Countermeasure Signal Processor provide full spherical coverage and rapid reaction. The system is designed to work in the harsh environment of fighter aircraft and allows flexible installation in either pylons, pods or in the fuselage. MILDS F considerably enhances the protection against anti-aircraft missiles such as shoulder-fired infrared-guided missiles, which cannot easily be detected by current warning systems.

The AN/AAR-60 (V) 2 MILDS F is using enhanced key components of the very successful MILDS AN/AAR-60 missile warner, which is in operational use as the standard missile warning device on helicopters and transport/mission aircraft world-wide, including Tiger, NH90, CH-53, CH-47 and C-130.

Belgium is currently progressing to the replacement of its 54 latest F-16AM/BM fighter jets by a new multirole aircraft which will be chosen between Lockheed Martin's F-35A Lightning II and the Eurofighter Typhoon produced by the eponym european consortium.