BAE Systems to enhance F-16 maintenance cybersecurity
Two countries are fielding the BAE Systems Viper MLV II via FMS for the F-16 Block 70/72. (Photo: US DoD)
The BAE Systems-produced Viper Memory Loader Verifier II maintenance capability supports over 100 onboard systems that enhances the F-16’s cybersecurity.
BAE Systems has released the Viper Memory Loader Verifier II (MLV II) as a new version of its maintenance capability that reduces vulnerability to cyber-attacks for the F-16, the company announced on 12 October.
The Viper MLV II can load and verify software into the aircraft, it supports mission data file loads, flight and fault data downloading and third-party application software.
BAE Systems says the cybersecurity capability supports over 100 onboard systems for the F-16, which includes mission and flight critical systems such as radar, EW, mission and flight control computers, crash survival data recorders, engine control systems and navigation and communications systems.
Two undisclosed countries are fielding the Viper MLV II via US Foreign Military Sales for the F-16 Block 70/72, ordering six systems with the potential for a further 15 systems.
The Viper MLV II will be developed and manufactured at BAE Systems’ Fort Worth site in Texas.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![AFA 2026: USAF examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics]()
AFA 2026: USAF examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics
The US Air Force is evaluating demonstrators for uncrewed cargo missions as it considers logistics requirements across the Pacific and other contested environments.
-
![Europe risks losing control of CUAS production capacity as manufacturers look abroad]()
Europe risks losing control of CUAS production capacity as manufacturers look abroad
European counter-drone developers are securing early orders in the Middle East while slow domestic acquisition processes threaten to redirect production capacity, expertise and investment away from Europe.
-
![India’s rotary-wing capability gap grows as IMRH programme delays persist]()
India’s rotary-wing capability gap grows as IMRH programme delays persist
With IMRH and DBMRH potentially years from service, India faces a widening rotary-wing capability gap that could drive further foreign purchases even as HAL and Safran build the foundations of an indigenous successor.
-
![AFA 2026: Swarm Aero eyes 2027 Gamera flight as Textron/Merlin reveal SkyCourier UX]()
AFA 2026: Swarm Aero eyes 2027 Gamera flight as Textron/Merlin reveal SkyCourier UX
Two new uncrewed aircraft concepts target very different US military requirements, from massed long-range strike to autonomous logistics. Shephard spoke with executives from Swarm Aero, Textron Aviation and Merlin Labs at this year's AFA Air, Space & Cyber conference to learn more about their capabilities.
