ViperGuard: The Cutting-Edge F-16 Electronic Warfare Innovation for the Future
Viper Shield: The Premier Electronic Warfare Solution for F-16 Operators
L3Harris proudly presents the advanced Viper Shield electronic warfare (EW) suite, designed to address the growing challenges faced by F-16 operators globally. With substantial progress in production milestones, Viper Shield sets a new industry standard for effectiveness and reliability in modern warfare.
Currently deep in its development phase, Viper Shield is undergoing extensive flight testing, which demonstrates its unique capabilities for the global F-16 fleet. This highly adaptable podded solution enhances protection for both legacy and contemporary aircraft.
“Viper Shield establishes a new standard for electronic warfare systems utilized by F-16 operators worldwide,” stated Ed Zoiss, President of Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris. “Not only is our system fully funded and in production, but its state-of-the-art features and exceptional support make it unmatched by any competitor, significantly benefiting both active-duty and Guard units through this FMS-funded initiative.”
Key Advantages of Viper Shield for F-16s: Enhancing Offensive and Defensive Capacities for 2027 and Beyond
Enhanced Flexibility and Protection
Launched in 2025, the Viper Shield’s podded option ensures that legacy F-16 variants can easily be upgraded, preserving their relevance in today’s combat landscape. This remarkable adaptability allows quick integration with a variety of F-16 models, addressing diverse mission needs. Moreover, the podded configuration provides equivalent high-level EW protection without extensive internal alterations.
Effortless Integration with Multiple F-16 Configurations
One of Viper Shield’s standout features is its seamless compatibility with a range of F-16 configurations. It integrates effortlessly with the Block 70/72 aircraft and also fits into the Block 40 and Block 50 families, including D-models, without necessitating a redesign.
The podded system is engineered for earlier F-16 blocks, enabling straightforward attachment with minimal internal modifications. Utilizing the same Line Replaceable Units ensures optimized sustainment and consistent electronic warfare protection, irrespective of the aircraft’s internal or external configuration. This adaptability positions Viper Shield 3-5 years ahead of the competition, providing L3Harris’s international partners with leading-edge capabilities.
Strong Funding and Growing Partnerships
The Viper Shield initiative is fully funded and supported by seven partner nations, with additional partners expected to join soon. This level of backing emphasizes the confidence global partners have in L3Harris’s expertise and guarantees the program’s longevity. Continuous funding encourages ongoing innovation and adaptation, keeping Viper Shield at the forefront of electronic warfare solutions.
These international partnerships enable shared knowledge, collaborative development, and streamlined integration across various F-16 platforms, enhancing Viper Shield’s capability to evolve with emerging threats and technological advancements.
Performance Under Pressure
Flight testing of Viper Shield production hardware commenced in January 2025, highlighted by test flights conducted with a single-seat Block 70 F-16. Environmental assessments in an anechoic chamber have also begun, verifying Viper Shield’s reliability under diverse operational conditions.
The spiral software development of this all-digital, software-defined system allows the L3Harris team to both test enhancements and produce hardware for current clients.
Production Scale-Up to Meet Global Demand
Viper Shield is spearheading the next generation of protection for digital fighter pilots, specifically designed to counter advanced threats. With production units already on the market for nearly a year, L3Harris is swiftly enhancing manufacturing capabilities to exceed customer expectations.
By surpassing production milestones and aggressively scaling operations, L3Harris confirms its standout ability to address global demand with unmatched precision and efficiency.
