US Air Force Completes First Flight of L3Harris Viper Shield Electronic Warfare System
L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful first flight of its Viper Shield™ electronic warfare (EW) system in a single-seat Block 70 F-16 at Edwards Air Force Base. The flight, conducted by the 412th Test Wing, included risk reduction tests for mission computer compatibility and interoperability with the APG-83 AESA radar.
Viper Shield, designed for six international partners' F-16 fighter fleets, offers advanced EW capabilities through a low-risk, low-cost system that counters modern radar threats with immediate detection and jamming responses. The system is notable for its ability to integrate across all F-16 Blocks with minimal modifications and compatibility with both current and next-generation Mission Computers.
The company plans to deliver systems in late 2025, marking Viper Shield as the only advanced EW solution currently funded and in active production for international F-16 partners.
L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) ha raggiunto un traguardo significativo con il successo del primo volo del suo sistema di guerra elettronica (EW) Viper Shield™ in un F-16 Block 70 monoposto presso la Base Aerea di Edwards. Il volo, condotto dal 412° Test Wing, ha incluso test di riduzione del rischio per la compatibilità del computer di missione e l'interoperabilità con il radar APG-83 AESA.
Viper Shield, progettato per le flotte di caccia F-16 di sei partner internazionali, offre avanzate capacità EW attraverso un sistema a basso rischio e costo, capace di contrastare le minacce radar moderne con una rilevazione immediata e risposte di jamming. Il sistema è notevole per la sua capacità di integrarsi in tutti i blocchi F-16 con modifiche minime e compatibilità con i computer di missione attuali e di nuova generazione.
L'azienda prevede di consegnare i sistemi entro la fine del 2025, segnando Viper Shield come l'unica soluzione EW avanzata attualmente finanziata e in produzione attiva per i partner internazionali F-16.
L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) ha logrado un hito importante con el exitoso primer vuelo de su sistema de guerra electrónica (EW) Viper Shield™ en un F-16 Block 70 de un solo asiento en la Base Aérea de Edwards. El vuelo, realizado por el 412° Test Wing, incluyó pruebas de reducción de riesgos para la compatibilidad del ordenador de misión y la interoperabilidad con el radar APG-83 AESA.
Viper Shield, diseñado para las flotas de cazas F-16 de seis socios internacionales, ofrece capacidades EW avanzadas a través de un sistema de bajo riesgo y costo que contrarresta las amenazas radar modernas con detección inmediata y respuestas de interferencia. El sistema es notable por su capacidad de integrarse en todos los bloques de F-16 con modificaciones mínimas y compatibilidad con los ordenadores de misión actuales y de próxima generación.
La empresa planea entregar los sistemas a finales de 2025, marcando a Viper Shield como la única solución EW avanzada actualmente financiada y en producción activa para socios internacionales de F-16.
L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX)는 에드워즈 공군 기지에서 단좌 블록 70 F-16에서 Viper Shield™ 전자전 (EW) 시스템의 성공적인 첫 비행으로 중요한 이정표를 달성했습니다. 412번 시험 비행대가 수행한 이 비행은 미션 컴퓨터의 호환성과 APG-83 AESA 레이더와의 상호 운용성을 위한 위험 감소 테스트를 포함했습니다.
Viper Shield는 여섯 개의 국제 파트너의 F-16 전투기 함대를 위해 설계되었으며, 현대 레이더 위협에 대한 즉각적인 탐지와 재밍 반응을 통해 고급 EW 기능을 제공하는 낮은 위험과 비용의 시스템입니다. 이 시스템은 최소한의 수정으로 모든 F-16 블록과 통합할 수 있는 능력과 현재 및 차세대 미션 컴퓨터와의 호환성으로 주목받고 있습니다.
회사는 2025년 말까지 시스템을 제공할 계획이며, Viper Shield는 현재 재정 지원을 받고 있고 국제 F-16 파트너를 위해 적극적으로 생산 중인 유일한 고급 EW 솔루션으로 기록됩니다.
L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) a atteint une étape importante avec le premier vol réussi de son système de guerre électronique (EW) Viper Shield™ dans un F-16 Block 70 monoplace à la Base Aérienne d'Edwards. Le vol, réalisé par le 412e Test Wing, a inclus des tests de réduction des risques pour la compatibilité de l'ordinateur de mission et l'interopérabilité avec le radar APG-83 AESA.
Viper Shield, conçu pour les flottes de chasseurs F-16 de six partenaires internationaux, offre des capacités EW avancées grâce à un système à faible risque et à faible coût qui contrecarre les menaces radar modernes avec une détection rapide et des réponses d'interférence. Le système est remarquable pour sa capacité à s'intégrer à tous les blocs F-16 avec des modifications minimales et sa compatibilité avec les ordinateurs de mission actuels et de nouvelle génération.
L'entreprise prévoit de livrer les systèmes d'ici fin 2025, faisant de Viper Shield la seule solution EW avancée actuellement financée et en production active pour les partenaires internationaux F-16.
L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) hat einen bedeutenden Meilenstein mit dem erfolgreichen Erstflug seines Viper Shield™ elektronischen Kampfsystems (EW) in einem einsitzigen Block 70 F-16 auf der Edwards Air Force Base erreicht. Der Flug, der vom 412. Test Wing durchgeführt wurde, umfasste Risikominderungstests zur Kompatibilität des Missionscomputers und zur Interoperabilität mit dem APG-83 AESA-Radar.
Viper Shield, das für die F-16-Jagdbomberflotten von sechs internationalen Partnern entwickelt wurde, bietet fortschrittliche EW-Funktionen durch ein kostengünstiges, risikoarmes System, das moderne Radarbedrohungen mit sofortiger Erkennung und Störantworten bekämpft. Das System zeichnet sich durch die Fähigkeit aus, ohne große Modifikationen in alle F-16-Blöcke integriert zu werden und ist sowohl mit aktuellen als auch mit zukünftigen Missionscomputern kompatibel.
Das Unternehmen plant, die Systeme bis Ende 2025 zu liefern, wodurch Viper Shield die einzige fortschrittliche EW-Lösung ist, die gegenwärtig finanziert und aktiv für internationale F-16-Partner produziert wird.
- Successfully completed first flight test of Viper Shield EW system
- System is funded and in active production for international partners
- Confirmed delivery timeline for late 2025
- Low-cost implementation with minimal aircraft modifications required
- None.
Insights
The successful maiden flight of L3Harris's Viper Shield electronic warfare system represents a significant technological and commercial milestone with substantial implications for the company's market position. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it addresses a crucial capability gap in F-16 modernization programs for six international partners.
The system's demonstrated compatibility with the APG-83 AESA radar and its ability to integrate across all F-16 Blocks with minimal modifications presents a compelling value proposition. This technical advantage positions L3Harris to capture a larger share of the global F-16 modernization market, estimated to be worth several billion dollars over the next decade.
Key competitive advantages include:
- Low-risk, low-cost implementation strategy
- Advanced threat detection and jamming capabilities
- Compatibility with both current and next-generation mission computers
The scheduled late 2025 delivery timeline aligns with increasing global defense modernization initiatives, particularly in regions facing evolving electromagnetic spectrum threats. This positions L3Harris to potentially secure additional contracts beyond the current six international partners, especially considering the global F-16 fleet of approximately 3,000 aircraft, many of which will require EW system upgrades.
From a financial perspective, this program represents a strategic growth driver for L3Harris's Space and Airborne Systems segment. The successful flight test reduces technical risk and strengthens the company's position in upcoming international defense procurement competitions, potentially leading to expanded market opportunities and sustained revenue growth in the electronic warfare systems sector.
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,
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.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250204886300/en/
Media Contacts:
Bill Barksdale
Space & Airborne Systems
Bill.Barksdale@L3Harris.com
863-338-9817
Sara Banda
Corporate
Media@L3Harris.com
321-306-8927
Source: L3Harris Technologies
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