L3Harris Introduces Software-Based Electronic Warfare Upgrade for Falcon IV Radios

L3Harris announced a new electronic warfare capability for its Falcon IV radios on March 13, 2026. Branded as Wraith Shield, the system uses the existing antenna on the radios to scan for drone control signals, identify enemy ones and jam them. Wraith Shield does not require any new hardware.

It is a software upgrade to the existing Wraith communications waveform, which is compatible with over 100,000 Falcon IV radios in service worldwide. Chris Aebli, tactical communications director at L3Harris, said the upgrade offers an affordable counter-UAS option for troops already carrying the devices.

“At the cost of a software upgrade … single digit thousands of dollars … you can add this capability to a radio they’re already carrying,” he said.

International sales of Wraith Shield are still awaiting export approval from the US government. Aebli said there has been no formal order for Wraith Shield to date. Despite the absence of orders, Aebli said there is a tremendous amount of interest both internationally and domestically in Wraith Shield.

He added that there are a handful of customers that are ready to buy Wraith Shield shortly. The capability exploits the digital architecture already built into modern software-defined radios. L3Harris developed the capability with partner DataShapes AI, which trained the AI algorithms involved in signal detection and jamming.

Breaking Defense reported that the US Army in particular may transfer electronic warfare funds to one of its radio program offices to buy the software. Aebli suggested the service might execute the acquisition as a radio upgrade, at least initially.

The announcement comes as small drones continue to inflict heavy losses on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine, prompting militaries worldwide to seek lightweight, portable electronic warfare solutions that do not add weight or bulk to soldiers’ loads.