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.”
Viper Shield is designed for the Block 70/72 aircraft, fully interoperable with the advanced APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar and compatible with all previous F-16 blocks. The all-digital software-defined architecture uses commercial-off-the-shelf technology to provide a small form factor, reduced weight and easier future upgrades.
