US Defense Company Completes First Batch of F-16 "Viper Shield" Electronic Warfare Systems

Voice of America Chinese website posted a video: U.S. defense company completes first batch production of F-16 “Viper Shield” electronic warfare system

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U.S. defense company L3Harris demonstrated in a promotional animation that two advanced fifth‑generation aircraft with canard layouts were shot down by F‑16 fighters equipped with the “Viper Shield” electronic warfare system. In a press release on September 3, L3Harris said it has completed the first production run of 35 sets of the F‑16 “Viper Shield” electronic warfare system. The official model of this EW system is AN/ALQ‑254(V)1, designed specifically for the new F16V‑type F16C/D Block 70/72 aircraft. It can fully interoperate with the aircraft’s advanced APG‑83 active electronically scanned array radar and is also compatible with all earlier batches of F‑16s. The “Viper Shield” EW system creates a “digital armor” around the aircraft to detect, identify, and counter electronic threats. The system underwent its first development test in January of last year, with Major Anthony Pip as the test pilot. What excites us most is the electronic‑warfare capability boost the “Viper Shield” will give the F‑16, and what is truly inspiring is that we are delivering this capability to frontline operators. From today’s experience, a major advantage is the display capability of the digital radar warning receiver system, which presents potential threats to the pilot in a more precise and ergonomically sound manner. This is just the next step in modernizing the F‑16’s software and EW capabilities to bring its performance closer to today’s most advanced standards. L3Harris noted that the 35 “Viper Shield” EW systems include both built‑in airborne integrated versions and external pod versions, and it also showcased the first external pod. This upgrade is another important step in the F‑16 software and combat‑capability modernization process, aimed at bringing performance closer to the most advanced levels today. L3Harris pointed out that the 35 “Viper Shield” EW systems consist of built‑in airborne integrated types and external pod types, and it also displayed the first external pod. Currently, the system has orders from eight countries, including Taiwan and Bahrain, for a total of 233 sets to be produced. Voice of America reporter Liu Enmin, Washington.