Peru has selected L3Harris Viper Shield as the electronic warfare solution for its new F-16 Block 70 fighters. The system is intended to provide the aircraft with protection against radar-based and other electromagnetic threats.Viper Shield combines threat detection, identification, warning, and electronic countermeasure functions in a digital architecture. It is designed to help pilots maintain awareness of hostile emitters while providing options for responding to electronic threats.The decision follows Peru’s acquisition of 12 F-16s, reportedly valued at around $1.5 billion. The aircraft are being introduced as the country works to modernize an aging fighter force.Peru’s current inventory includes Mirage 2000 fighters as well as Russian-designed MiG-29 and Su-27 aircraft. Availability challenges affecting portions of the existing fleet have increased the importance of modernizing the country’s combat aviation capabilities.The Viper Shield system, known internally as AN/ALQ-254(V)1, uses digital radar-warning technology and radio-frequency memory-based jamming. Its software-defined architecture is intended to support future upgrades as electronic threats change.The system can be installed internally or carried in an external configuration. It is also designed to integrate with the F-16’s APG-83 AESA radar, creating a more comprehensive sensor and defensive system.For Peru, the addition of Viper Shield could improve the survivability and situational awareness of its F-16 fleet in contested electromagnetic environments. The use of a system already associated with the F-16 ecosystem may also simplify future interoperability and modernization efforts.
