Taiwan has committed NTD42.8bn (about $1.33bn) to procure the advanced Viper Shield electronic warfare (EW) suite for its F-16V fighter jets, as outlined in a recent Ministry of National Defense (MND) spending plan. This substantial investment is aimed at equipping Taiwan’s air force with state-of-the-art technology to enhance the survivability and operational effectiveness of its fighter aircraft, as reported by CNA.

The Viper Shield, officially known as the AN/ALQ-254(V)1 All-Digital Electronic Warfare Suite, is designed to be a foundational component for next-generation F-16 aircraft. According to L3Harris, the US-based manufacturer of the system, the Viper Shield provides a comprehensive "virtual electronic shield" that enables the F-16V to operate safely in complex combat environments. The suite features advanced digital radar warning receiver (DRWR) technology, which integrates with the F-16V’s new APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, offering enhanced situational awareness and improved system performance.

The procurement plan, which spans from 2022 to 2030, includes not only the Viper Shield but also munitions and ancillary systems. Notably, this package was absent from earlier MND spending plans for the fiscal years 2022-2024, suggesting it was funded through covert appropriations.

China has yet to make an official statement, although Beijing typically responds with increased patrols around Taiwan each time a move by the island nation's government to enhance its defences makes headlines.

Taiwan's decision to upgrade its fleet of 140 F-16A/Bs to the more advanced F-16V configuration was completed at the end of 2023. These upgraded jets are currently equipped with AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods and the MS-110 Multispectral Imagery System. The introduction of the Viper Shield represents a significant enhancement to the aircraft's electronic warfare capabilities, supporting its ability to navigate and respond to modern threats.

The first two of the 66 new F-16Vs ordered from the United States are expected to be delivered to Taiwan by the end of this year. The Viper Shield will further bolster the aircraft’s defensive and operational capabilities, reflecting Taiwan's ongoing efforts to modernise its military and enhance its air defence.

Internationally, the Viper Shield is also being adopted by Bahrain, Bulgaria, Morocco, and Slovakia for their fleets of F-16Vs, highlighting its growing significance in modernising air force capabilities globally.