L3Harris Technologies has completed the first two-ship flight test of its Viper Shield electronic warfare system on F-16 fighter jets.
L3Harris Technologies has completed the first two-ship flight test of its Viper Shield electronic warfare system on F-16 fighter jets, marking another step toward full-rate production for eight customer nations.
The tests took place at Edwards Air Force Base, California, where F-16C and F-16D aircraft flew together for the first time carrying Viper Shield hardware.
According to L3Harris, the milestone demonstrated the system's ability to operate in realistic multi-aircraft missions while detecting, identifying, and countering modern electromagnetic threats.
Engineers also evaluated how Viper Shield worked alongside the F-16's avionics during multiple mission profiles, testing its digital architecture and real-time response against electronic warfare scenarios.
Viper Shield's Key Milestones
The company said that production is ramping up to support the 233 Viper Shield systems currently planned. Eight countries have already selected the system, and L3Harris said the production line is being expanded to meet growing international demand.
“Each successful test brings us closer to delivering Viper Shield operationally,” L3Harris Spectrum Superiority President Lauren Barnes said, adding that the team is already “focused on the next phases of integration and full-rate production.”
Earlier, in November 2025, it completed a key US Air Force production readiness review, clearing the system for low-rate initial production. The evaluation assessed manufacturing processes, quality standards, and supply chain readiness.
