USAF conducts first F-16 Block 70 flight of L3Harris’ Viper Shield
L3Harris has plans for Viper Shield to integrate across all F-16 Blocks, to improve its EW capabilities. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
The Viper Shield electronic warfare suite was tested by the US Air Force’s 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, with L3Harris aiming for deliveries of the system to international customers by late 2025.
L3Harris has announced the successful first flight of its Viper Shield in a F-16 Block 70, flown at the US Air Force’s 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The flight reportedly included risk reduction tests and other avionic subsystems compatibility, as well as testing interoperability with the APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
The Viper Shield is a digital electronic warfare (EW) suite being produced for international customers acquiring the Block 70/72 F-16 aircraft. According to L3Harris, it provides advanced EW capabilities to F-16 fighter fleets.
Related Articles
L3Harris’ Viper Shield for F-16s completes safety tests
L3Harris develops Viper Shield EW system and makes strides on DiSCO development
Flight testing will continue throughout 2025, with systems to be delivered by “late 2025”, according to Ed Zoiss, president, space and airborne systems, L3Harris. The company previously announced that the internal system was under production in September 2024.
Maj. Anthony Pipe, F-16 Experimental Test Pilot, US Air Force added: “This flight launches the latest capability enhancement for the F-16 and our warfighters. The Viper Shield system combined with a Block 70 airframe creates a leap in capability compared to the traditional Block 50 Viper I grew up flying. The EW advancements this system brings will ensure pilots flying these aircraft continue to make it home.”
Shephard previously learned that the Viper Shield system could be configured as an external pod, which is in development. While there are no customers for the pod yet, L3Haris reportedly see it as an alternative to a system upgrade on F-16 Block 20 to 50/52 aircraft.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Rafael highlights tailored effector solutions for different operational needs]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Rafael highlights tailored effector solutions for different operational needs
Shephard spoke with Rafael’s CEO about the company’s effector offerings as well as his perspective on one-way attack drones.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability
The tests between a Republic of Singapore Air Force H225M and Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system were designed to allow the crew to receive and process real-time data from the UAS while maintaining direct command and control.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight
The Swedish government is expected to make a decision on the next steps of the Future Fighter System Concept programme by 2030, with the current second phase focusing on technology knowledge expansion and demonstration flights.
-
![Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities
In the wake of its 1,842% year-on-year revenue increase in Q4 2025, Red Cat sees mass opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region as the company eyes an ongoing production increase and market growth.
