L3Harris Technologies announced receiving an undefinitized contract from Lockheed Martin to procure long-lead material for the Viper Shield electronic warfare system to accelerate global product delivery. The AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield supports the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft production for the global F-16 fleet and was designed as the baseline EW system for the aircraft. The digital radio frequency memory (DRFM)-based jamming system provides enhanced capability against advanced threats. This contract, in conjunction with a future full-rate contract award for Viper Shield ship sets, will enable planned production EW capability deliveries for customers worldwide.
“Viper Shield protects next-generation F-16 fighters from previously unimaginable threats by providing a radio frequency shield, a warning receiver and jamming system, around the aircraft,” said Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris. “This contract puts us one step closer to equipping our global customers with the most advanced EW system to safely complete missions in increasingly complex battlespace scenarios.”
In late 2022, Viper Shield successfully completed the critical design review milestone with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force. Viper Shield also demonstrated interoperability with the new APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar during testing at the Lockheed Martin Systems Integration Lab. The Viper Shield program remains on schedule and is slated for installation on the next-generation F-16 aircraft for multiple international air defense forces. Viper Shield will return again to the Lockheed Martin Systems Integration Lab later this year with newly integrated hardware and software to test the next planned increment of capabilities with the F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft.
L3Harris has provided Electronic Warfare (EW) systems on F-16s for more than 30 years, with our existing systems protecting the fleets of many nations around the world. Several international air forces have already committed to Viper Shield based on its operational capability, advanced technology and affordability. This continues our 60-plus-year legacy of developing advanced EW technology to ensure superiority across the spectrum. L3Harris Technologies is a Trusted Disruptor for the global aerospace and defense industry. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our 46,000 employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains.
