Peruvian F-16V Block 70s to Receive Viper Shield Electronic Warfare System

Peru’s F-16V Block 70 fighter jets will be equipped with L3Harris’ Viper Shield electronic warfare system.

L3Harris, the system’s manufacturer, announced the decision.

“We are focused on providing Peru with a low-risk electronic warfare solution backed by an active production line, flight-test program, and established supply chain,” said Christopher Eble, President of L3Harris’ Communications & Spectrum Dominance segment.

According to him, the Viper Shield system has already been selected by eight countries. The company is ramping up production to fulfill orders for 233 systems.

The Peruvian Air Force and Lockheed Martin signed a contract in April 2026 for the purchase of the first batch of F-16C/D Block 70 fighter jets.

Previously, Lockheed Martin lowered the price of the F-16s offered to Peru to keep the deal within the budget approved by the Peruvian government. The initial proposal was for 12 F-16C/D Block 70s at a cost of $3.42 billion. The revised offer increased the number of aircraft to 24 for $3.5 billion.

On August 14, it was later reported that Peru was preparing to purchase a second batch of 12 F-16 Block 70s. In total, Peru’s Air Force modernization program calls for 24 new fighter jets.

Viper Shield

The Viper Shield electronic warfare system was developed by L3Harris in cooperation with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force.
Viper Shield features a digital radar warning receiver that works in conjunction with the F-16V’s APG-83 radar.

The system also includes a digital radio-frequency jamming system based on memory technology, providing enhanced capabilities against modern threats.

On F-16 fighter jets, the system creates a virtual electronic shield that enhances the aircraft’s survivability through a multi-band digital radio-frequency jamming system.