Peru Selects L3Harris Electronic Warfare System for F-16 Fleet
Peru has selected L3Harris Technologies to supply its Viper Shield electronic warfare system for the country’s F-16 Block 70 fleet, enhancing the aircraft’s defensive and offensive capabilities against radar and missile threats.
On August 18, 2026, L3Harris Technologies announced a contract with the Peruvian government to equip its F-16 Block 70 aircraft with the Viper Shield electronic warfare system. The agreement aims to strengthen Peru’s fleet by providing pilots with tools to detect, disrupt, and counter enemy radar and missile systems during missions. The system is designed to integrate seamlessly with the Block 70 platform, offering real-time threat response and improved survivability in contested environments.
L3Harris stated that Viper Shield will be delivered through an active production line, aligning with Peru’s timeline for the F-16 Block 70 program. The company highlighted that eight nations have already selected the system, with full-rate production of 233 units underway. Christopher Aebli, President of Communications & Spectrum Dominance at L3Harris, emphasized the low-risk nature of the solution, citing existing flight test programs and supply chain stability as key advantages.
Developed in collaboration with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force, Viper Shield offers multiple installation options, including integration into new Block 70/72 aircraft, retrofits for older F-16 models, and an external pod configuration. The system is built on a software-defined architecture, allowing for continuous upgrades to adapt to evolving electronic threats without requiring hardware changes.
The Viper Shield suite is tailored to serve as the baseline electronic warfare system for advanced F-16 variants, maximizing aircraft survivability and mission success. L3Harris noted that its electronic warfare capabilities have been relied upon by customers for decades to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum, with recent demonstrations at the U.S. Army’s Project Convergence-Capstone 6 showcasing its multi-domain interoperability.