L3Harris Technologies will supply its Viper Shield electronic warfare (EW) system for Peru’s F-16 Block 70 fleet as part of the country’s aircraft acquisition program.
The system will provide the F-16s with electronic warfare capabilities to detect and counter radar, missile, and other electronic threats. It will be integrated into the new Block 70 aircraft and can also support future aircraft upgrades.
L3Harris developed Viper Shield in partnership with Lockheed Martin and the US Air Force. The system uses a software-defined architecture, allowing its capabilities to be updated as operational and threat requirements change.
The EW system has several installation options, including integration with F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft, a retrofit configuration for earlier F-16 variants, and an external pod. The retrofit option provides operators with a path to upgrade existing aircraft without replacing the airframe.
“We are focused on providing Peru with a low-risk EW solution through the active production line, flight test program, and supply chain,” said Christopher Aebli, President, Communications & Spectrum Dominance, L3Harris. He added, “Eight nations have selected Viper Shield, and we’re ramping up to full-rate production of 233 systems.”
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From an MRO and sustainment perspective, the system’s retrofit configuration and software-based design enable the incorporation of EW capability into aircraft modernization programs. Future software updates can also support continued system upgrades during the aircraft’s service life.
The system is being produced through an existing production and supply chain, supporting its deployment across new-build and upgraded F-16 aircraft.
