The Polish Ministry of Defense has chosen L3Harris Technologies’ AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield electronic warfare suite to support the upgrade of its F-16 Viper fleet. The selection is part of a program to modernize Poland’s 48 F-16 Block 52 fighters to the advanced Block 70 configuration.
Rival bidder Northrop Grumman had also proposed its AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS), which is compatible with both the Block 70/72 aircraft—already acquired by seven nations—and as a retrofit for earlier F-16 models.
The Viper Shield is designed to create a protective electronic barrier around the fighter, improving pilot safety and mission survivability in high-threat environments. Its internal integration reduces drag and preserves external hardpoints for weapons and sensors.
At its core, the system merges a digital radar warning receiver with an advanced digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) jamming system. It works in tandem with the aircraft’s APG-83 AESA radar, boosting situational awareness and providing rapid responses to potential threats.
