L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has completed production of the first 35 Viper Shield electronic warfare and countermeasure systems for the global F-16 fleet. Viper Shield detects, identifies and counters electronic threats by providing digital armor around the aircraft. The technology can support the pilot as an integrated internal system or as an external pod. L3Harris also assembled its first pod leveraging production systems. Viper Shield is the only F-16 electronic warfare system currently in production with orders from eight allied nations. L3Harris is ramping up to full-rate production for the 233 systems currently on order. Additional partner nations that select Viper Shield will benefit from an active production line with quality assurance and a supply chain capable of meeting the demands of large-scale manufacturing.
“The $1 billion shared investment by countries operating F-16s means the U.S. Air Force and National Guard could benefit from joining the program,” said Chris Aebli, President, Communications & Spectrum Dominance, L3Harris. “The foreign investment is funding development, lab testing, flight testing and current production of Viper Shield systems, which presents the United States with a savings opportunity to avoid upfront costs.”
In partnership with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force, L3Harris is developing the new AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield to provide U.S. allies with cutting-edge countermeasures against sophisticated, ever-changing threats. This advanced EW system will provide a virtual electronic shield around the aircraft, enabling warfighters to complete missions safely in increasingly complex battlespace scenarios. Its modern, all-digital architecture using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology enables enhanced system performance, a smaller form factor, reduced weight and easier future upgrades.
L3Harris has provided 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. Our EW solutions are deployed across all domains – land, sea, air, space – to defeat threats at every level of engagement. L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.
