L3Harris Technologies has finalized the initial F-16 Viper Shield electronic warfare suites as it scales up full-rate manufacturing to deliver 233 units on order for eight allied nations.
The progress covered 35 countermeasure systems, each designed to enhance threat detection, jam enemy signals, and control the electromagnetic spectrum during combat.
The software-defined digital system, built as the primary protective capability for F-16 fighter jets, can be equipped through internal integration or in an external pod.
Viper Shield is fully interoperable with the APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, making it seamlessly compatible with new F-16 Block 70/72 variants as well as older F-16 airframes.
L3Harris leverages commercial off-the-shelf parts to maintain the system’s lightweight architecture and support future updates.
Driving Efficiency
Foreign partners contributed $1 billion to back the program, establishing an active supply chain that could yield savings for the US military, according to the company.
Additional partner nations that select the technology can immediately access the active production line.
“The $1 billion shared investment by countries operating F-16s means the US Air Force and National Guard could benefit from joining the program,” said Chris Aebli, president of Communications & Spectrum Dominance at 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.”
