LIMA — Peru has selected L3Harris Technologies’ Viper Shield electronic warfare (EW) system for its new F-16 Block 70 fighter fleet, adding an advanced electronic protection capability to the country’s ongoing air force modernization program. L3Harris announced the selection on August 18, 2026.
The AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield is an all-digital, software-defined EW suite developed by L3Harris in partnership with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force. The system is designed to provide a virtual electronic shield around the aircraft and help pilots detect, counter and disrupt radar and other electronic threats.
Viper Shield Capabilities
Viper Shield combines digital threat warning and electronic countermeasure functions in an internally mounted system for the F-16 Block 70/72. Its digital radar warning receiver is designed to work with the F-16’s AN/APG-83 AESA radar, providing pilots with additional awareness of radar threats.
The system also uses digital radio-frequency memory technology for electronic jamming and countermeasures. Its software-defined architecture is designed to support future upgrades as threat environments change.
L3Harris says Viper Shield can be installed internally on new Block 70/72 aircraft. The company also offers the system for earlier F-16 variants through retrofit and podded configurations. The internal and podded versions use the same physical component hardware, according to the company.
Peru’s F-16 Modernization Program
The Viper Shield selection is part of Peru’s acquisition of F-16 Block 70 fighters. The U.S. government previously approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Peru involving F-16 aircraft and related logistics and support, with an estimated value of $3.42 billion. The approval was announced in September 2025.
Peru’s broader modernization plan calls for 24 F-16 Block 70 fighters. The initial acquisition involves 12 aircraft, while the Peruvian government has been working toward securing a second batch of 12 aircraft.
Peruvian Defense Minister Rafael Belaúnde Llosa said on August 14, 2026, that the government was working to obtain the second batch. The minister said the air force requires 24 fighters to maintain its minimum deterrence capability.
Earlier proposals for the F-16 acquisition had placed the value of 12 aircraft at about $3.42 billion. Following changes to the proposal, reports indicated that the planned 24-aircraft acquisition could be valued at approximately $3.5 billion.
Viper Shield Production
L3Harris said Peru is the eighth country to select Viper Shield. The company is increasing production toward a planned full-rate production level of 233 systems.
Christopher Aebli, president of L3Harris’ Communications & Spectrum Dominance segment, said the company is providing Peru with an EW solution supported by an active production line, flight-test program and established supply chain.
Viper Shield has already undergone flight testing. L3Harris completed the system’s first flight on a Block 70 F-16 at Edwards Air Force Base in February 2025, and the company has continued flight and environmental testing as the system moves toward wider production.
The selection gives Peru an F-16 Block 70 configuration that includes an integrated digital electronic warfare system intended to improve threat warning and electronic protection. It also provides common EW capabilities with other countries operating the F-16 Block 70, supporting interoperability among users of the aircraft.
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