L3Harris Technologies has achieved a significant milestone as the United States Air Force successfully completed the first flight of its Viper Shield™, an advanced all-digital electronic warfare (EW) system designed to enhance the survivability of F-16 fighter jets. The test was conducted in a single-seat Block 70 F-16, operated by the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
Viper Shield is a next-generation EW suite that provides enhanced protection against modern radar threats. It is set to equip F-16 fighter fleets for six international partners, significantly improving their combat effectiveness.
A Game-Changer for F-16 Fighters
“This flight launches the latest capability enhancement for the F-16 and our warfighters,” said Maj. Anthony Pipe, an F-16 Experimental Test Pilot for the U.S. Air Force. “The Viper Shield system, combined with a Block 70 airframe, creates a leap in capability compared to the traditional Block 50 Viper I grew up flying. The EW advancements this system brings will ensure pilots flying these aircraft continue to make it home.”
The test flight involved rigorous risk-reduction assessments, including compatibility checks with the mission computer, avionics subsystems, and interoperability with the APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire control radar.
Advancing Electronic Warfare Capabilities
L3Harris Technologies took a strategic approach in developing Viper Shield, testing its hardware and software in labs and simulating operations in high-density radio frequency environments before executing its first flight.
“With this milestone, we are ready to continue flight testing and deliver systems in late 2025,” said Ed Zoiss, President of Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris. “Viper Shield is the only advanced EW solution that is funded and in active production for international F-16 partners.”
Viper Shield is designed to counter evolving radar threats with rapid detection and advanced jamming capabilities, effectively disrupting an adversary’s attack sequence. Unlike other EW systems, Viper Shield integrates seamlessly across all F-16 variants with minimal modifications, supporting both the current Mission Modular Computer and the Next Generation Mission Computer.
Looking Ahead
With continued flight testing throughout 2025, L3Harris aims to begin delivering Viper Shield to allied nations later this year. The system represents a significant advancement in electronic warfare technology, reinforcing the F-16’s role as a versatile and capable fighter jet in modern combat environments.