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Can Viper Shield Expand L3Harris' Electronic Warfare Growth?

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Key Takeaways

  • L3Harris' Viper Shield was selected by Peru for its F-16 Block 70 aircraft.
  • L3Harris is ramping Viper Shield toward full-rate production of 233 systems across eight nations.
  • L3Harris' software-defined Viper Shield offers upgradeable electronic protection against evolving threats.

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (LHX - Free Report) is expanding its electronic warfare presence as international demand grows for advanced protection systems for fighter aircraft. In August 2026, the company announced that Peru selected its Viper Shield electronic warfare system for its F-16 Block 70 aircraft. The selection adds another international customer to the system's growing user base and supports L3Harris' expansion across allied defense markets.

Viper Shield provides digital electronic protection designed to help aircraft counter radar, missile and other electronic threats. The system is software-defined and upgradeable, allowing its capabilities to evolve as threats change. It can also be integrated into F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft, retrofitted onto earlier F-16 variants or deployed through an external pod configuration.

The growing adoption of Viper Shield also supports L3Harris' production strategy. The company is ramping toward full-rate production of 233 systems and said eight nations have selected the technology. An active production line, flight-test program and established supply chain could help L3Harris support additional deliveries as international F-16 fleets expand.

International adoption could provide L3Harris with opportunities to deepen relationships with allied air forces while expanding the installed base for its electronic warfare technologies. As fighter fleets face increasingly sophisticated electronic and missile threats, demand for adaptable aircraft protection systems could support further growth for L3Harris' electronic warfare portfolio.

Companies Expanding Fighter Electronic Warfare Capabilities

The increasing need to protect fighter aircraft from evolving electronic threats is driving continued development of advanced electronic warfare systems. Companies like BAE Systems plc (BAESY - Free Report) and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC - Free Report) are also strengthening their electronic warfare capabilities for military aircraft.

BAE Systems develops electronic warfare systems designed to provide aircraft with threat detection, electronic protection and situational awareness.

Northrop Grumman develops electronic warfare and countermeasure technologies supporting fighter aircraft and other defense platforms.

Earnings Estimates for LHX

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 and 2027 earnings per share suggests year-over-year growth of 9.41% and 14.80%, respectively.

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LHX Stock Is Trading at a Discount

LHX is trading at a discount relative to the industry, with a forward 12-month price-to-sales of 1.98X compared with the industry average of 2.49X.

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LHX Stock Price Performance

Over the past year, LHX shares have fallen 5.6% compared with the industry’s 3.3% decline.

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LHX’s Zacks Rank

LHX stock currently has 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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