L3Harris to supply electronic warfare systems for Peru's F-16 fighters

L3Harris Technologies said it has been chosen by Peru's government to equip the country's future F-16 Block 70 fighters with its Viper Shield electronic warfare system. The company did not disclose a delivery schedule or the value of the contract.

Peru selected the F-16 Block 70 as its next fighter aircraft in April, a decision confirmed at the time by the US ambassador to Peru. The choice faced some internal political opposition and was made under an interim government. Peru's current president, who took office in July, inherited the acquisition plan.

Both Lockheed Martin and Peruvian officials have said little publicly about the program's progress since then. L3Harris executive Christopher Aebli said the company aims to offer Peru a low-risk system supported by an active production line and ongoing flight testing. He added that eight countries have now selected Viper Shield and that production is ramping toward a total of 233 units.

Viper Shield is offered in two configurations, with the version built into the aircraft fuselage serving as the standard fit for new F-16 Block 70 and 72 jets.

Last September, the United States outlined a possible foreign military sale package worth about $3.4 billion covering ten single-seat F-16C jets and two F-16D trainers for Peru. Peru's broader requirement calls for 24 aircraft in total, meaning further orders would be needed to meet that goal.