US Air Force Completes First Flight of L3Harris Viper Shield Electronic Warfare System

MELBOURNE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) all-digital electronic warfare (EW) suite, Viper Shield™, has completed its first flight in a single-seat Block 70 F-16 operated by the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

Viper Shield provides the most advanced EW capability to F-16 fighter fleets for six international partners.

“This flight launches the latest capability enhancement for the F-16 and our warfighters. 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,” said Maj. Anthony Pipe, F-16 Experimental Test Pilot, U.S. Air Force. “The EW advancements this system brings will ensure pilots flying these aircraft continue to make it home.”

The flight included a series of risk reduction tests related to the mission computer and other avionic subsystems compatibility, as well as interoperability with the APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire control radar.

“Our building block approach to test hardware and software in labs, demonstrate functionality in dense radio frequency environments and validate the EW system on the ground prepared us for Viper Shield’s successful first flight,” said Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris. “With this milestone, we are ready to continue flight testing and deliver systems in late 2025 as Viper Shield is the only advanced EW solution that is funded and in active production for international F-16 partners.”

Viper Shield is a low-risk, low-cost system that counters modern radar threats with immediate detection and advanced jamming responses to disrupt the adversary’s kill chain. Unlike other EW system providers, Viper Shield will integrate across all F-16 Blocks with minimal modifications to the aircraft, and it is fully configurable with both the current Mission Modular Computer and the Next Generation Mission Computer.

About L3Harris Technologies

L3Harris Technologies is the Trusted Disruptor in the defense industry. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security. Visit L3Harris.com for more information.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements about system capabilities and deliveries are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. L3Harris disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.