L3Harris Technologies announced on Tuesday that it successfully conducted the first flight of its “Viper Shield” electronic warfare (EW) system aboard an F-16 Block 70 aircraft, a model slated for delivery to Morocco.
According to the company’s statement, the Viper Shield system will provide cutting-edge electronic warfare capabilities for F-16 fleets in six international partner nations.
The test flight, conducted by U.S. fighter jets from the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base in California, included a series of risk-reduction assessments to ensure compatibility between the mission computer and various onboard subsystems. The tests also evaluated its interaction with the APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
In July 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense authorized Lockheed Martin to begin producing the Viper Shield system for Morocco’s modernized Block 70/72 F-16s. The latest announcement marks a key milestone in the system’s development and deployment.
“With this achievement, we are ready to continue flight testing and begin system deliveries by late 2025,” said Ed Zoiss, President of Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris Technologies. “Viper Shield is the only fully funded and actively produced advanced electronic warfare solution for international F-16 partners.”
L3Harris Technologies describes the Viper Shield as a low-risk, cost-effective solution designed to counter modern radar threats by instantly detecting and disrupting enemy targeting systems. The company notes that the system creates an “electronic shield” around the aircraft, allowing pilots to safely execute missions and navigate increasingly complex battlefield scenarios.
In November 2023, defense industry platform Breaking Defense reported that Morocco was listed among the countries set to receive the Viper Shield system, as showcased during the Dubai Airshow. According to an L3Harris official, nations such as Morocco, Taiwan, Bahrain, Bulgaria, and Slovakia—all of which have ordered F-16 Block 70/72 jets—are also slated to integrate the advanced electronic warfare system.
The development underscores Morocco’s commitment to modernizing its air force capabilities, particularly in enhancing the survivability and effectiveness of its F-16 fleet through state-of-the-art defensive systems.
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