U.S. Air Force Expands Terma 3D-Audio on F-16 Fleet to Elevate Pilot Awareness and Mission Survivability

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Terma a $10.5 million contract for 170 additional 3D-Audio systems for the F-16 Fighting Falcon, bringing USAF acquisitions to 310. The decision reflects operational demand for an immediately deployable upgrade that sharpens pilot situational awareness, accelerates decision-making, and supports survivability in high-tempo environments. 

Terma 3D-Audio spatially separates radio, intercom, and warning tones so pilots perceive communications and threats from their actual direction of origin. Integrated with head-tracking and aircraft defensive suites, the system helps aircrew recognize and react to threats sooner than display-only solutions. Active noise reduction and high-fidelity audio further improve speech intelligibility and reduce fatigue. 

“Terma’s 3D-Audio has been a reliable, mission-enhancing upgrade for our F-16 community,” said Jace Holt, 3D-Audio Program Coordinator, Air Force Life Cycle Management. “It strengthens situational awareness and allows aircrew to focus on executing the mission rather than determining who is speaking.” 

“Because it is a form-fit replacement for existing single-seat intercoms, 3D-Audio installs without major cockpit changes,” said Mike Schiavone, Vice President and General Manager, Terma Inc. “Operators gain immediate value: faster information processing, more decisive reactions, and more effective operations.”

Proven, scalable, and integrated

First introduced on Royal Danish Air Force F-16s as part of an enhanced missile warning and detection capability managed by the Terma ALQ-213 Electronic Warfare system, 3D-Audio has since matured across multiple fleets. It has proven effectiveness on F-16 and A-10C platforms, is used to support mission-critical aircrew situational awareness as demonstrated on the U.S. Army ADAS program and is under consideration for additional fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, including fifth-generation platforms.

Adopted by allies at scale

Beyond the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard, more than 1,000 Terma intercom and 3D-Audio units have been delivered across F-16 and A-10 fleets, including EPAF nations (Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal). A number of these aircraft are operational with partner air forces such as Ukraine, Romania, and Argentina, underscoring the technology’s maturity and coalition relevance.

Why it matters

• Operational advantage: Directional audio shortens time to detect, prioritize, and respond to threats. 
• Readiness and safety:
  Clearer comms with active noise reduction to improve performance and reduce fatigue.
• Low-risk integration: Form-fit, modular design speeds retrofit and sustainment across large fleets.

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