The first new full-production variant of onboard jammer sub-systems for U.S. Navy F/A-18 fighters have been delivered to the service by Exelis.

The ALQ-214(V)4/5 self-protection system is part of the aircraft's Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures, or IDECM, suite for protection against radio-frequency threats.

"With enhanced software programmability and reduced size and weight, our latest system ensures that naval aviators stay ahead of emerging electronic threats," said Joe Rambala, vice president and general manager of the Exelis integrated electronic warfare systems business area. "Exelis has helped advance the Navy's electronic warfare mission for more than 16 years, and this milestone extends our record to 198 months of on-time delivery to the IDECM program."

Exelis said the ALQ-214(V)4/5 can be installated on F/A-18E/F Super Hornets as well as on F/A-18C/D Hornets.

A total of nine full-production units were delivered, Exelis said, but information on the number of units to be delivered to the Navy in the future was not disclosed.