The Peruvian government has selected L3Harris Technologies’ Viper Shield electronic warfare suite for the country’s F-16 Block 70 jets.
The Peruvian government has selected L3Harris Technologies’ Viper Shield electronic warfare suite for the country’s F-16 Block 70 fighter jets.
Viper Shield provides a digital layer of protection around the aircraft, enabling pilots to counter enemy radars, missiles, and other electronic threats. Peru’s acquisition will enhance the offensive and defensive capabilities of its F-16 Block 70s while improving interoperability with other operators of the aircraft.
“We are focused on providing Peru with a low-risk EW solution through the active production line, flight test program, and supply chain,” L3Harris President of Communications & Spectrum Dominance Christopher Aebli said.
“Eight nations have selected Viper Shield, and we’re ramping up to full-rate production of 233 systems.”
Lima acquired 12 F-16s in April for an estimated $1.5 billion, reducing its original plan to purchase 24 aircraft to bolster the South American country’s aging air defense fleet.
Peru currently operates 12 Mirage 2000 fighters, while its Russian-origin fleet includes MiG-29s and Su-27s, most of which are reportedly inoperative or held in reserve.
Viper Shield
Viper Shield is L3Harris Technologies’ all-digital electronic warfare system designed to protect F-16 fighter aircraft from modern radar and electronic threats.
Internally designated AN/ALQ-254(V)1, it combines a digital radar warning receiver with radio-frequency memory-based jamming to detect, identify, and counter threats.
The system can be integrated into the aircraft or carried as an external pod. Its modular, software-defined architecture supports integration with the F-16’s APG-83 AESA radar and future upgrades to counter emerging threats.
