L3Harris Selected to Supply Poland with F-16 Electronic Warfare System

Poland has selected L3Harris Technologies' Viper Shield electronic warfare system for its F-16 fleet upgrade. Viper Shield aims to enhance offensive and defensive capabilities in Poland's F-16 Block 52+ configuration. L3Harris provides the advanced EW suite to seven countries and is in talks with other allies. The system is in production and allows pilots to identify, locate, and respond to threats with greater efficiency.

Poland has chosen L3Harris Technologies' Viper Shield electronic warfare (EW) system to enhance the offensive and defensive capabilities of its F-16 Block 52+ fleet as part of a mid-life upgrade program. The selection, announced on August 28, 2025, comes as Poland accelerates its military modernization efforts in response to geopolitical tensions, particularly in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine [1].

The Viper Shield system, developed by L3Harris in partnership with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force, is designed to provide cutting-edge countermeasures against sophisticated, evolving threats. It includes a digital radar warning receiver (DRWR) and a digital radio frequency memory (DRFM)-based jamming system, integrating seamlessly with the aircraft's new APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar to deliver greater situational awareness [2].

Poland's F-16C/D Block 52+ jets will be upgraded to the F-16V Block 72 standard, with Viper Shield being one of the key systems installed. The upgrade, valued at $3.8 billion, will also include other advanced technologies such as the APG-83 AESA radar, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS II), and the new Martin-Baker US18E ejection seat [3].

L3Harris has already provided the Viper Shield system to six international partners, including Bahrain, Bulgaria, Morocco, Slovakia, and Taiwan, for installation on 168 new F-16s. The company is also actively engaged in discussions with other U.S. allies and partner nations interested in adopting the capability [1].

The Viper Shield system's software-defined architecture and modular design allow for future upgrades, ensuring that the system remains relevant and effective against emerging threats. This flexibility is particularly important as Poland continues to invest in its military capabilities and seeks to become a key NATO front-line state [3].

References:

[1] https://www.l3harris.com/newsroom/press-release/2025/08/poland-selects-l3harris-electronic-warfare-system-f-16-fleet
[2] https://theaviationist.com/2025/08/28/polish-f-16-viper-shield/
[3] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4490039-poland-selects-l3harris-viper-shield-for-fminus-16-upgrade-program