L3Harris Technologies has kicked off production of its AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield electronic warfare suite for Block 70/72 F-16 fighter jets, targeting six key international U.S. partners. The advanced system, set to significantly enhance the combat capabilities of these aircraft, is poised for widespread deployment.
The current production plan covers 166 Viper Shields under a hefty $1 billion contract, according to Jennifer Lewis, head of L3Harris’ airborne combat systems. However, the total value could swell to $1.5 billion, as several other nations express interest in acquiring the cutting-edge suite.
While the exact recipients remain unnamed, the list of potential buyers likely includes Bahrain, Bulgaria, Morocco, Slovakia, and Taiwan—countries already approved for the Block 70/72 variants via U.S. foreign military sales. Greece and Jordan, also Block 70/72 buyers, may soon join this lineup, though it’s unclear if their purchases include the Viper Shield.
A Revolutionary Edge in Electronic Warfare
L3Harris’ Viper Shield stands out as the only advanced electronic warfare solution currently funded and actively produced for international F-16 partners. “We are proud of the Viper Shield technology our engineers developed,” said Ed Zoiss, President of Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris. “It serves as the only advanced electronic warfare solution that is funded and in active production for international F-16 partners.”
Chosen by Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force in 2021, the Viper Shield equips F-16 Block 70/72 jets with a formidable electronic warfare suite, incorporating a digital radar warning receiver and a digital countermeasure system. The receiver’s integration with the jet’s APG-83 AESA radar allows for greater situational awareness and enhanced threat detection, providing a significant combat edge.
The Viper Shield offers dual installation options: it can be integrated directly within the aircraft or deployed as an external pod, both configurations featuring identical electronic warfare system hardware. This flexibility makes it adaptable to various mission requirements and F-16 configurations.
Bolstering Global Air Defenses with State-of-the-Art Technology
With its compact 3U form factor, the Viper Shield seamlessly integrates into multiple F-16 block configurations, ensuring that aircrews and commanders maintain heightened situational awareness on the battlefield. “Equipping aircrews and commanders with situational awareness about the electronic landscape gives them the ability to identify, locate and counter threats at the speed of relevance,” Zoiss emphasized.
As L3Harris continues to fulfill orders and secure new contracts, the Viper Shield is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening the air defenses of U.S. allies. The ongoing production marks a significant step forward in electronic warfare capabilities, ensuring that partner nations’ F-16 fleets remain at the forefront of modern combat aviation.
