The Peruvian government has selected L3Harris Technologies’ Viper Shield electronic warfare suite to equip its F-16 Block 70 fighter jets.
The system provides a digital protective layer around the aircraft, helping pilots detect and counter enemy radars, missiles, and other electronic threats. Peru’s acquisition is expected to strengthen both the offensive and defensive capabilities of its F-16 fleet while improving interoperability with other F-16 operators.
Lima acquired 12 F-16 aircraft in April for an estimated $1.5 billion, scaling back its earlier plan to purchase 24 fighters to modernize its aging air defense fleet.
Peru currently operates 12 Mirage 2000 fighters, alongside Russian-origin MiG-29 and Su-27 aircraft, many of which are reportedly inactive or maintained in reserve.
Viper Shield
Viper Shield is L3Harris Technologies’ all-digital electronic warfare system designed to protect F-16 aircraft against modern radar and electronic threats.
Officially designated AN/ALQ-254(V)1, the system combines a digital radar warning receiver with radio-frequency memory-based jamming technology to detect, identify, and counter potential threats.
Its modular and software-defined architecture allows the system to be integrated internally or carried in an external pod. Viper Shield is also designed to work with the F-16’s APG-83 AESA radar and can be upgraded to address emerging electronic warfare threats.
