Top Aces has now entered a new chapter in private air adversary simulation, integrating infrared search and track (IRST) systems into its F-16 Viper aircraft. This development is not an isolated event but part of a broader trend in commercial air training, where the growing demand for advanced sensor replication necessitates increasingly sophisticated technology for both training and testing. As part of this evolutionary trajectory, Top Aces’ recent move to equip its aircraft with modular IRST systems reflects the heightened requirements for simulating more realistic and complex aerial threats.

The introduction of the Northrop Grumman OpenPod, a modular open-architecture system outfitted with Leonardo’s SkyWard long-wave IRST sensor, marks a significant leap for Top Aces’ F-16 fleet. This move builds upon the company’s previous experience with integrating IRST systems into its A-4 Skyhawk jets. The integration of IRST systems within the F-16s highlights Top Aces’ dedication to staying at the forefront of air adversary training and sensor replication, particularly as modern warfare becomes increasingly reliant on stealth and advanced electronic warfare capabilities.

Leonardo’s SkyWard, originally developed by Selex ES and later integrated into Saab’s Gripen E fighter jets, has been noted for its capabilities in modern air combat environments. Top Aces’ adaptation of this technology to its fleet of ex-Israeli F-16A/B Netz variants, which were first acquired in 2021, is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to upgrade these aircraft to the Advanced Aggressor Fighter (AAF) configuration. This transformation includes the installation of the Advanced Aggressor Mission System (AAMS), which facilitates the integration of various high-tech sensors, including active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars and helmet-mounted displays like the Thales Visionix Gen III Scorpion system.

Incorporating IRST systems into Top Aces’ F-16 fleet enhances its ability to simulate near-peer threats more accurately. As IRST systems track targets based on infrared emissions rather than radar reflections, they can detect and follow targets that may otherwise evade traditional radar systems. Additionally, IRSTs are inherently resistant to radio frequency jamming, a key advantage in modern electronic warfare scenarios. By combining IRST systems with AESA radar and other advanced sensors, Top Aces can offer more comprehensive and realistic threat replication in training exercises, providing U.S. and allied forces with the most challenging adversary air capabilities available in the private sector.

The implications of this new capability are profound. The F-16 Viper equipped with the OpenPod IRST system allows for enhanced situational awareness and better tracking of multiple targets, improving the realism of combat scenarios for fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. These aircraft, which rely heavily on their stealth capabilities, face unique challenges when pitted against adversaries equipped with IRST systems that are not impacted by radar cross-section reduction techniques. As the need for more sophisticated sensor replication grows, Top Aces’ integration of IRST systems places the company at the cutting edge of private adversary air training.

The growing demand for advanced training capabilities, particularly for the U.S. Air Force and its allies, has accelerated the need for private companies like Top Aces to provide more technologically advanced aggressor fleets. As the global security landscape shifts toward potential high-end conflicts with near-peer competitors, the ability to replicate stealthy, fifth-generation aircraft becomes increasingly critical. This demand is reflected in the expanding role of private contractors in adversary air support, as they provide the expertise and equipment necessary for large-scale combat exercises.

The U.S. military’s focus on preparing for future conflicts, particularly in the Pacific theater, has led to the expansion of aerial combat training exercises over increasingly vast areas. In turn, this has created a growing requirement for adversary air capabilities, whether provided organically by military forces or contracted from private firms like Top Aces. The addition of IRST systems to the company’s F-16s demonstrates its commitment to meeting these evolving needs, offering a more complex and realistic training environment for modern air forces.

The resurgence of interest in IRST systems within the U.S. military and its allies further underscores the importance of this capability in modern air combat. The U.S. Air Force’s evaluation of the OpenPod system for its F-15C/D Eagles, along with its eventual acquisition of Lockheed Martin’s Legion Pods, highlights the increasing reliance on infrared-based sensors for detecting and tracking stealthy targets. Similarly, the U.S. Navy’s efforts to integrate an IRST system into its F/A-18E/F Super Hornets via a modified drop tank illustrate the growing importance of this technology across various platforms.

Furthermore, IRST systems have become an essential component in modern testing and evaluation activities. For example, a modified Rockwell Sabreliner business jet equipped with a podded version of the TacIRST system, alongside Tactical Air Support’s F-5AT aircraft and a General Atomics Avenger drone, participated in a U.S. military test in 2022. This test showcased the versatility and effectiveness of IRST systems in various combat scenarios, highlighting their value not only for air-to-air engagements but also for broader mission profiles involving unmanned systems and missile detection.

Detailed table of the aircraft in Top Aces’ fleet, including technical specifications, year of construction, locations, and equipment:

As Top Aces continues to expand its capabilities, the addition of IRST-equipped F-16s represents a significant advancement in the company’s ability to provide high-end adversary air services. The modular design of the OpenPod system, combined with the open architecture of the AAMS, allows for rapid integration of additional capabilities as technology evolves. This flexibility is critical in an era where military technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and adversaries are increasingly employing stealth and electronic warfare tactics to gain an edge in the air.

The significance of IRST systems extends beyond their technical capabilities. In an era where stealth and electronic warfare dominate the battlefield, the ability to detect and track targets without relying on traditional radar systems provides a strategic advantage. This capability is especially important in training environments, where replicating the most advanced threats is essential for preparing pilots to face real-world challenges. By offering a more accurate and realistic representation of potential adversaries, Top Aces’ IRST-equipped F-16s play a crucial role in ensuring that U.S. and allied forces are prepared for the complexities of modern air combat.

As Top Aces continues to push the boundaries of what private adversary air companies can offer, the integration of IRST systems into its F-16 fleet represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of commercial air combat training. This advancement not only enhances the company’s ability to replicate near-peer threats but also ensures that its services remain relevant in an increasingly complex and technologically advanced global security environment. With the demand for high-end adversary air capabilities only expected to grow in the coming years, Top Aces is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of this critical industry.

Top Aces’ F-16 Vipers

Top Aces is a Canadian private adversary air company specializing in providing advanced adversary air services, also known as “red air” simulation, to military forces. This company operates an advanced fleet of aircraft, including F-16 Vipers, which have historically been associated with state military forces. The use of these aircraft by a private entity raises questions regarding how such a company acquires, maintains, and operates these sophisticated assets, as well as the broader implications for military training and national security.

Overview of Top Aces’ F-16 Vipers

Top Aces’ fleet of F-16s consists of ex-Israeli Air Force F-16A/B Netz variants, which were delivered to the company starting in 2021. These aircraft were initially developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force (USAF) and have been used by numerous countries around the world. The F-16 is known for its versatility, being capable of air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions. However, in the case of Top Aces, the F-16s have been upgraded to what is known as the Advanced Aggressor Fighter (AAF) configuration.

This upgrade is crucial in understanding the company’s role, as it equips the F-16s with cutting-edge technology such as:

• Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
• Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems.
• Link-16 datalink.
• Advanced helmet-mounted display systems (Thales Visionix Gen III Scorpion).

These upgrades make the F-16s operated by Top Aces suitable for simulating advanced adversary threats in training scenarios. The focus of these exercises is typically to train aircrews from the U.S. and allied nations to confront potential near-peer adversaries, such as those from Russia or China, in increasingly complex air combat environments. Top Aces essentially plays the role of the “bad guy” during these exercises, helping military forces prepare for potential real-world threats by providing highly realistic and sophisticated training.

How a Private Company Can Own F-16s

The question of how a private company like Top Aces can acquire military aircraft, such as the F-16, is complex but legally grounded. Several factors contribute to this capability:

• Government Partnerships and Contracts: Top Aces operates under strict governmental oversight, as it provides services to national militaries. The aircraft that Top Aces operates, such as the F-16s, are typically acquired through surplus sales from allied countries. In this case, the Israeli Air Force, which had retired these F-16A/B Netz variants, sold them to Top Aces under approved defense export agreements. This process ensures that the aircraft do not fall into the hands of entities that would misuse them and that the sale aligns with international defense export laws.
• Adversary Air Contracts: The services provided by companies like Top Aces are critical for military training. These companies fill a capability gap that militaries cannot always meet internally. For instance, the U.S. Air Force and other allied forces do not have enough resources or aircraft to simulate realistic adversary scenarios for their fighter pilots. By outsourcing this role to private companies like Top Aces, militaries can save resources while still receiving high-quality training. Top Aces’ ability to operate F-16s and other advanced aircraft is a direct result of these contractual agreements.
• Technological Expertise: The upgrades to the F-16s that Top Aces operates are conducted in partnership with major defense contractors, including Northrop Grumman and Leonardo. These companies provide the necessary technological enhancements that turn older F-16 models into modern training assets capable of simulating advanced adversary capabilities. The Advanced Aggressor Mission System (AAMS) and other technologies integrated into these jets are crucial for mimicking near-peer adversaries in combat training environments.

Who Is Behind Top Aces?

Top Aces was founded in 2000 by a group of former Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilots, and its primary mission has always been to provide tactical air defense training to military forces. However, as the company has grown, so too has its reach and capabilities. The company is privately owned but operates under contracts with various governments, including those of Canada, the United States, and Germany, among others. Given its role in adversary air training, Top Aces operates in a space that is heavily regulated and scrutinized by the defense departments of these countries.

• Ownership and Funding: Top Aces is backed by private investment. In 2017, it secured significant financial backing from Clairvest Group Inc., a Canadian private equity firm. This allowed the company to expand its operations and acquire advanced platforms like the F-16s. Despite its private ownership, Top Aces operates within a framework of government contracts and oversight, ensuring that its operations are aligned with national security interests.
• Government and Defense Ties: Although Top Aces is a private company, it operates closely with national militaries. The nature of its contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense and other allied military organizations means that it is effectively an extension of these militaries when it comes to adversary air training. This relationship ensures that Top Aces remains accountable to government agencies and operates within the bounds of national and international defense regulations.

While there is no direct evidence to suggest that Top Aces is covertly controlled by a government or secret services, the company’s deep ties to the defense sector mean that its operations are closely monitored by government agencies. The fact that it provides such critical training services also suggests that it plays a significant role in the broader national defense strategies of the countries it serves.

Why Top Aces’ Role Is Critical

The growing complexity of air combat and the emergence of fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 and F-22 require more advanced training solutions. Stealth capabilities, advanced electronic warfare, and high-speed engagements are all part of the modern air combat environment. As a result, the need for private adversary air services has grown, and Top Aces is at the forefront of this trend.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Militaries often find it more cost-effective to outsource adversary air training to private companies like Top Aces. Operating and maintaining fleets of advanced aircraft solely for training purposes can be prohibitively expensive, particularly when resources are limited. By contracting private firms, militaries can focus their budgets and personnel on operational priorities while still ensuring that their pilots receive the highest level of training.
• Filling a Capability Gap: The U.S. Air Force, for example, has acknowledged that it lacks the internal resources to fully meet its adversary air training requirements. With growing threats from near-peer competitors, having a private company like Top Aces to provide highly realistic, challenging training scenarios is essential for maintaining combat readiness.
• Technological Innovation: The integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as the AAMS, IRST systems, and AESA radar, into older platforms like the F-16 allows Top Aces to simulate adversaries that are on par with near-peer threats. This innovation ensures that military forces are adequately prepared for future conflicts that may involve advanced air threats from nations like Russia and China.

Top Aces is a private adversary air company that plays a critical role in the training of U.S. and allied military forces. Its F-16 Vipers, acquired from Israel and upgraded with the latest technology, are key assets in simulating near-peer threats during combat training exercises. While the company is privately owned and funded, it operates under the oversight of national governments and in close collaboration with defense contractors, ensuring that its operations align with national security interests. There is no evidence to suggest covert government or intelligence control, but the nature of its work means that Top Aces operates in a space that is highly regulated and subject to significant government scrutiny. The company’s role is essential in preparing military forces for the complexities of modern air combat, particularly in an era of growing geopolitical tensions.