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Can Electronic Warfare Demand Boost L3Harris' Growth Prospects?

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Key Takeaways

  • L3Harris secured a new opportunity to provide Viper Shield for Peru's F-16 Block 70 aircraft program.
  • Eight nations have selected Viper Shield, as L3Harris ramps toward full-rate production of 233 systems.
  • LHX's upgradeable Viper Shield can equip new F-16s, older variants or external pods.

L3Harris Technologies (LHX - Free Report) is strengthening its presence in the electronic warfare (EW) market, supported by rising defense spending and growing demand for advanced systems that protect military aircraft from increasingly sophisticated threats. Electronic warfare capabilities have become critical to modern air operations, as they help aircraft detect, disrupt and counter enemy radars, missiles and other electronic threats.

In August 2026, L3Harris secured a new opportunity to provide its Viper Shield electronic warfare system for Peru’s F-16 Block 70 aircraft program.

Viper Shield acts as digital armor around the aircraft, enabling pilots to counter enemy radars, missiles and other electronic threats. Peru's purchase is expected to enhance the offensive and defensive capabilities of its new F-16 fleet while improving interoperability with other nations operating the F-16 Block 70.

The latest selection also reflects the growing adoption of the Viper Shield system. Eight nations have selected the platform, and L3Harris is ramping up toward full-rate production of 233 systems. The company developed Viper Shield in partnership with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force.

The system can be integrated into F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft, retrofitted onto earlier F-16 variants or deployed through an external pod. Its software-defined and upgradeable design should allow its capabilities to evolve alongside changing threat environments.

Overall, rising investments in electronic warfare and growing demand for advanced aircraft protection systems should create solid growth opportunities for L3Harris. The expanding adoption of Viper Shield and the company’s broader capabilities in communications and spectrum dominance are likely to support its long-term growth prospects.

Other Companies Benefiting from Electronic Warfare Demand

Apart from LHX, other defense companies are also benefiting from growing investments in electronic warfare and advanced aircraft protection systems. These companies are discussed below:

RTX Corporation (RTX - Free Report) is a major provider of advanced electronic warfare, radar and missile defense systems. Through its Raytheon business, RTX develops technologies designed to detect, disrupt and counter evolving electronic threats.

BAE Systems (BAESY - Free Report) also has a strong presence in electronic warfare through its advanced systems used to protect military aircraft and other defense platforms. Rising investments in spectrum dominance and electronic warfare should support its growth prospects.

The Zacks Rundown for LHX

Shares of LHX have lost 5.2% in the past year compared with the industry’s 3.9% decline.

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The company shares are trading at a discount on a relative basis, with its forward 12-month Price/Sales being 1.98X compared with its industry’s average of 2.47X.

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The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LHX’s 2026 earnings has moved north over the past 60 days.

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LHX stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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