Viper shield takes flight: Testing milestone for F‑16 upgrade
The next phase of in-flight testing for the new electronic warfare system (EWS) for the F-16 has been successfully completed. Developed by L3Harris Technologies, the AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield system is designed for the F-16 in its latest version, the F-16C/D Block 70/72.
AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield is the latest electronic warfare system developed by L3Harris, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin. Although the U.S. Air Force also participated in its development, the Viper Shield is ultimately intended for aircraft belonging to U.S. allies.
Viper Shield works in conjunction with the new AN/APG-83 SABR radar, allowing it to detect, identify, and locate electromagnetic emission sources that could threaten the F-16.
In practice, this means it can use electronically generated interference to counteract air defence systems, hostile aircraft, or anti-aircraft missiles targeting the F-16.
Six countries have already ordered Viper Shield: Bahrain, Bulgaria, Jordan, Morocco, Slovakia, and Taiwan.
The system is available and tested in two variants: as an integral part of the aircraft, integrated with its avionics, and also as an optional, suspended pod that can be mounted on one of the F-16's suspension points if needed.
IVEWS and Viper Shield - competing electronic warfare systems
It's worth noting that almost simultaneously with the testing of the Viper Shield system, a competing solution is also undergoing testing. In September, the U.S. Air Force confirmed testing of the IVEWS (Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite) system developed by Northrop Grumman.
Both systems—IVEWS and Viper Shield—are under consideration as part of the MLU modernisation package for Polish F-16s.
