More than 50 years after its first flight, the F-16 Fighting Falcon continues to prove its relevance with the introduction of newly manufactured aircraft from Lockheed Martin’s production line in Greenville, South Carolina, as well as the integration of new equipment and capabilities. This was demonstrated in the latest test conducted by the United States Air Force (USAF), where a Bahraini Air Force F-16 Block 70 successfully completed its first flight equipped with the L3Harris Viper Shield electronic warfare system.
In an official statement released in late January, the U.S. Air Force confirmed the first flight of a Viper (Block 70) fitted with this new electronic warfare suite. Images from the test confirmed that it took place at Edwards Air Force Base in California, featuring one of Bahrain’s new F-16 Block 70 fighters, piloted by Major Anthony Pipe, a test pilot from the 416th Flight Test Squadron.
This is a significant milestone, as the single-seat aircraft in question is one of two that the Royal Bahraini Air Force has stationed in the United States for testing and evaluating various equipment and systems. These aircraft are flown by pilots from the 416th Flight Test Squadron. The arrival of these two F-16 Block 70s at Edwards Air Force Base was confirmed last year when the first Vipers began their ferry flight to Bahrain, making the Middle Eastern nation the first operator of newly manufactured aircraft of this Fighting Falcon variant.
Regarding the flight tests of the new electronic warfare system, several key developments have been recorded. One of the most notable was L3Harris’ confirmation in September that it had begun production of the new AN/ALQ-254(V)1 All-Digital Electronic Warfare Suite for F-16 Block 70/72 fighters. This initial batch includes a total of 166 units, with additional orders expected from other countries integrating the aircraft into their fleets, either through newly manufactured units or modernization packages. Bahrain, Bulgaria, Morocco, Slovakia, and Taiwan are among these operators. Other countries, such as Greece and Jordan, have not disclosed which type of electronic warfare suite their upgraded and newly built F-16s use.
Designated as the AN/ALQ-254(V)1, Viper Shield aims to enhance the survivability of new F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft operated by allied nations, allowing them to operate in increasingly complex and contested environments. Its various components integrate seamlessly with the APG-83 AESA radar, enhancing situational awareness for both the aircraft and the pilot. Additional efforts in its development have focused on reducing size and weight, as well as minimizing maintenance cycles, ultimately lowering operational costs and flight hour expenses for the F-16.
Finally, as the U.S. Air Force continues flight testing and production advances at L3Harris facilities, it is expected that new F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft, as well as those upgraded from previous Blocks, will be equipped with the Viper Shield electronic warfare system by the end of 2025.
You may also like: After back-and-forth discussions with the U.S., the Turkish Air Force will not proceed with the modernization of its F-16s to Block 70
