OVERVIEW: The AN/ALE-70(V)/T-1687 is a towed, expendable, active electronic decoy system designed for self-protection of stealth aircraft against radar-guided missile threats. It transmits jamming signals and radar returns via fiber-optic link, emulating the host aircraft's signature to divert tracking and fire-control radars.

DETAILS: "AN/ALE" denotes Airborne Countermeasures, Expendable. The AN/ALE-70 is a Fiber-Optic Towed Decoy (FOTD) that operates as an off-board electronic jammer, transmitting signals generated by the aircraft’s onboard EW system through a fiber-optic tether. The T-1687 decoy unit is ejected from a launch housing and trails behind the aircraft, using real-time data to project false targets and disrupt missile guidance. It provides protection in the high-frequency radar bands commonly used by fire-control radars and missile seekers.

The T-1687 is the designated towed decoy variant integrated specifically with the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C, working in conjunction with the AN/ASQ-239 EW suite. It improves survivability by maintaining low observability while allowing active decoying without compromising radar cross-section.

It is installed in the aircraft's countermeasure dispenser bays and launched on command; once deployed, it remains tethered by fiber-optic cable to allow power supply and signal transmission from the onboard system.

NOTE:
IOC: 2014
Platforms: F-35A Lightning II, F-35B Lightning II, F-35C Lightning II

SOURCE:
U.S. Navy NAVAIR: https://www.navair.navy.mil/product/ALE-70 ; Raytheon Missiles & Defense: https://www.raytheon.com/products/ale-70 ; U.S. Department of Defense Budget Justification Books: https://www.secnav.navy.mil/fmc/fmb/Documents/24pres/APN_BA5_Book.pdf ; Jane’s Weapons: Air-Launched