L3Harris Technologies has completed manufacturing of the first batch of 35 Viper Shield electronic warfare systems built for F-16 fighter jets operated around the world, the company announced. As part of the milestone, L3Harris also assembled its first external pod configuration using units from this production run.
Viper Shield functions as a protective digital shield around the aircraft, detecting and neutralizing electronic threats in real time. The system can be installed as an internal component or mounted as an external pod, giving operators flexibility depending on aircraft configuration and mission requirements. It currently stands as the only F-16 electronic warfare system in active production, and eight allied nations have placed confirmed orders totaling 233 units.
Chris Aebli, President of Communications & Spectrum Dominance at L3Harris, said the program’s momentum extends beyond the allied nations already on contract. “The $1 billion shared investment from countries operating F-16s indicates that the U.S. Air Force and National Guard could strategically benefit by joining the program,” Aebli said.
Viper Shield relies on an all-digital, software-defined architecture built around commercial off-the-shelf technology. L3Harris designed the system for the Block 70/72 F-16 variant and built it for full compatibility with the APG-83 radar, while maintaining backward compatibility with earlier F-16 models still in service.
L3Harris said it expects to move to full-rate production as additional nations select Viper Shield for their fleets, drawing on an already established production infrastructure and supply chain.
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