L3Harris to integrate electronics into new American ships to hunt submarines

T-AGOS-25 — not armed, but extremely important

L3Harris Technologies has entered into an agreement with Austal USA to escort the first T-AGOS-25 class ship for the US Navy. This is not a warship, not a destroyer, and certainly not an aircraft carrier. But his role is one of the most subtle and necessary. T-AGOS-25 is a floating underwater surveillance station, whose task is to listen to the ocean and find submarines that try not to make a sound.

Such ships don't fire, but without them, other ships and planes don't know where to look for a threat.

L3Harris is responsible for the "insides" of the ship

L3Harris acts as a single system supplier — that is, it takes over the integration of key components: electrical and propulsion systems. It's not just installing engines, but creating a cohesive architecture where everything works together — from power supply to motion control.

Special attention is paid to "quiet" work. In order for a ship to hear a submarine, it must be as quiet as possible. L3Harris is responsible for ensuring that the actuators and electronics do not interfere with sensitive sonar systems.

Underwater tracking is the key to anti—submarine defense

The T-AGOS-25 is the heir to the legendary Stalwart—class ships that have been tracking Soviet submarines for decades. The new ship will use modern towed sonar stations capable of detecting sounds at great depths and distances.

He does not attack, but determines the location of the target, transmits data to destroyers, submarines and PLO aircraft. Without such scouts, the anti-submarine defense loses its eyes and ears.

Where will these ships operate

T-AGOS-25 will be deployed in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. His zone is open waters where enemy submarines can hide and wait in the wings. This is especially true in the Pacific Ocean, where the activity of the submarine forces of other countries is growing.

The presence of such ships allows the US Navy to control underwater routes and protect strike groups.

Sources

1. ASDNews — contract overview for T-AGOS-25
2. L3Harris (official) — press release on the award
3. Naval Technology — T-AGOS-25 class capabilities
4. MarketScreener — market impact analysis
5. Military Embedded — technical overview of onboard sensors

L3Harris increases production of OA-1K combat turboprop aircraft — despite SOCOM cuts

OA-1K Skyraider II — The old Approach in the new war

At first glance, this is a step back: instead of supersonic fighters, it's a slow turboprop aircraft with wings like grandpa's. But the OA-1K Skyraider II from L3Harris is not an anachronism, but a conscious choice. It is designed for those areas where drones and helicopters are operating under fire, and jet planes are too expensive and clumsy. It's a machine for dirty, long—range warfare-with endurance, firepower, and the ability to land on short ground runs.

And despite the customer's hesitations, L3Harris is confidently moving forward.

SOCOM has slowed down, but L3Harris is not stopping

The Special Operations Command (SOCOM) recently reduced the volume of short-term purchases of OA-1K. This is due to a review of priorities and budget adjustments. But it's not canceling the program — it's slowing down. And L3Harris understands this. Instead of suspending assembly, the company is ramping up production at its Birmingham, Texas plant.

They are preparing not for the current demand, but for the future. Because they know that special forces will need such vehicles anyway.

Texas Manufacturing: Getting ready for 2026

The expansion of the line in Texas is not just an increase in the number of planes. These are modernization of processes, personnel training, and setting up supply chains. L3Harris is betting that by 2026, the Armed Overwatch program will reach full combat readiness (IOC), and then the need for OA-1K will increase dramatically.

Now they are not just assembling airplanes, they are building a system capable of releasing them quickly and reliably when needed.

Why do special Forces still need turboprop vehicles?

In Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, and North Africa, where there are no full—fledged airfields, where the enemy is spread across the desert, and support is far away, turboprop aircraft proved to be out of competition. The OA-1K can circle an area for hours, see targets through optics, aim strikes and, if necessary, engage in battle itself — with machine guns, bombs, missiles.

In addition, it is cheaper to operate than a jet attack aircraft and can fly where drones are vulnerable to air defenses. It is called a "drone-getter" — a machine that works where drones can no longer cope.

Sources

1. L3Harris press release — Center of Excellence for Skyraider II in Waco [^2^]
2. Airwar.ru — detailed profile of the OA-1K and its production process
3. Tech.liga.net — U.S. Air Force tests of the OA-1K Skyraider II
4. Wikipedia — overview of the L3Harris OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft

L3Harris has built a $100 million center in Florida for the Golden Dome, and that's just the beginning

New Satellite Testing Center in Palm Bay

The American defense giant L3Harris Technologies has launched a new satellite integration and testing center in Palm Bay, Florida, a 94,000-square—foot facility known as Building 31. Its cost is 100 million dollars. This is not just another building.: It was created to work with critical systems, including to support the national missile defense program, which is informally called the Golden Dome.

Here, satellites will be assembled, tested and prepared for launch, which will have to see the rockets even in the launch phase.

Golden Dome Support — How it Works

Although construction began even before the Golden Dome became a public initiative, L3Harris immediately relied on promising technologies. The Palm Bay center will test satellites that will become part of a multi-layered space network. These devices are supposed to detect ballistic and hypersonic missiles, track their trajectory and transmit data to land and sea missile defense systems.

Without such centers — with high-precision equipment and a controlled environment — it would be too risky to launch satellites into space. A mistake on Earth is better than a failure in orbit.

Two factories, 200 jobs and high salaries

Building 31 is only part of the plan. The second facility to be built on the same campus is a 98,000—square-foot state-of-the-art microelectronics center. It will produce a "brain" for satellites: microcircuits capable of withstanding radiation, temperature changes and harsh space conditions. Production will be located in a clean room, which is a prerequisite for such technologies.

Both projects will create about 200 new jobs. The average salary ranges from 105 to 111 thousand dollars per year. These are not just assembly line workers, but engineers, technicians, test and micro-design specialists.

Why Florida is Becoming America's Space Hub

Palm Bay is not a random choice. It is only 45 minutes from Cape Canaveral, where SpaceX, ULA, and others launch. The proximity to launch sites, well-developed infrastructure, and state support (including tax incentives) make the region attractive to defense and space companies.

L3Harris has been here for a long time, but is now expanding — because the demand for space defense has grown dramatically. And Florida is becoming not only a rocket launch site, but also a place where these rockets and satellites are assembled, tested and prepared for combat.

Sources

1. Zavtra Newspaper – overview of L3Harris expansion in Palm Bay and its support for the “Golden Dome”.
2. CNews – satellite technologies and L3Harris’s role in U.S. space & defense infrastructure.
3. Axios and additional reports cited confirm investment scale and the center’s national-security function.

Italy buys "electronic shields": two new EA-37B Compass Calls for 300 million

EA-37B Compass Call 

The Italian Air Force has made a serious bet on modern technology — they have officially confirmed the purchase of two EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft. These are powerful aerial platforms capable of jamming enemy radio signals, suppressing communications, interfering with drone control, and even disabling enemy air defense systems. Simply put, it is an "invisible weapon" of a new generation.

Rome is ready to invest about $300 million in this deal, and this is not just a fleet upgrade — it is a strategic step to enhance the electronic stability and combat effectiveness of the Italian Air Force. Aircraft based on the Gulfstream G550 business jet will be used both in combat operations and in support of allied missions, especially within the framework of NATO.

Of particular interest is the fact of the sale itself: This is the first time in history that the U.S. government has approved the transfer of such a high-tech electronic warfare platform to one of its foreign allies. Previously, EA-37B (and their predecessors EC-130H) strictly remained in the arsenal of the US Air Force. Now Italy will become the first foreign operator.

The project is being implemented in partnership between L3Harris, the main contractor and developer of electronic warfare systems, and BAE Systems, which is responsible for the integration and protection of onboard systems. Such cooperation ensures that Italian cars will receive the same level of technology as American ones.

The EA-37B is not just an aircraft with "loudspeakers". It is capable of purposefully attacking enemy communications, interfering with tactical networks, creating interference in the range from VHF to microwave and at the same time remaining at a safe distance from the front line. This makes them incredibly valuable in modern conflicts, where control over the electromagnetic spectrum decides the outcome of the battle.

For Italy, it is also a step towards greater independence in the defense sector and an opportunity to participate more effectively in international operations. The first planes are expected to enter service in the next few years.

L3Harris introduces the "Wolf Pack" — swarm drones with low cost and high efficiency

 

Wolf Pack

L3Harris has introduced a new series of unmanned aerial vehicles called the "Wolf Pack", which is designed to attack an enemy using a swarm of inexpensive paired kinetic and non-kinetic ammunition. This approach puts defenders in front of the need to spend more expensive funds to repel relatively cheap threats, which makes the concept economically beneficial.

These munitions fall into the category of so-called "Launched Effects", that is, disposable or returnable aircraft with a long range and low cost. Such systems make it possible to create an "accessible mass", that is, large-scale attacks using a large number of autonomous devices, which significantly increases the efficiency of operations at relatively low costs.

What is included in the "Wolf Pack"?

The series includes two main types:

- Red Wolf is a kinetic munition designed to directly hit targets.

- Green Wolf is a non—kinetic variant that can be used for electronic warfare, reconnaissance, or jamming.

Both types can be launched as a swarm from various platforms, including aircraft, ships, and ground installations. All devices are equipped with autonomous software that allows them to interact with each other and coordinate actions in real time.

L3Harris is not the only company developing such technologies. Similar developments are being conducted by:

- Anduril Industries — with projects such as Altius and other kamikaze drones.

- Lockheed Martin — with systems integrated into fifth-generation combat systems.

- General Atomics — with unmanned solutions based on MQ-9 and other platforms.

- Zone 5 Industries and other lesser-known companies — within the framework of specialized programs .

However, the Wolf Pack stands out for its scalability, low cost, and flexible application, which makes it particularly attractive to military personnel seeking cost-effective solutions on the battlefield.

According to the company's representatives, such systems have already passed flight tests and are capable of operating at a distance of up to 200 nautical miles (~370 km) with high speed and flight duration (up to 60 minutes or more) . This opens up opportunities for the Wolf Pack to be used in various scenarios, including reconnaissance, air defense suppression, sabotage operations, and pinpoint strikes.

The creation of the "Wolf Pack" from L3Harris is an important step in the development of the concept of autonomous swarm systems that change the rules of combat. Due to the combination of low cost, autonomy and high efficiency, such munitions are becoming a key element of the future of the US armed forces and their allies.

L3Harris repaired the first P-8A Poseidon for the US Navy

L3Harris Technologies has handed over the first P-8A Poseidon aircraft, which they have just repaired and upgraded, to the American Naval Aviation Systems Command (NAVAIR). This is an important step in the framework of a large-scale contract between the company and the fleet.

The work was carried out at the L3Harris facility in Waco, Texas. Maintenance and overhaul of these aircraft began there back in 2024, and this will continue until September 2029. That is, in fact, it is a long-term project, designed for years ahead.

This contract was signed by the US Navy on September 30, 2024, and according to it, the company must service as many as 139 P-8A aircraft. The work ahead is serious: This includes strengthening the structure, updating the onboard electronics, testing all systems, and deep repairs to aircraft components.

The goal of this program is the same — to keep the combat potential of the American maritime patrol aircraft in working order so that these vehicles can perform any task — from tracking submarines to reconnaissance in the oceans.

So now the P-8A Poseidon doesn't just fly — they become even more reliable, smarter, and ready for new challenges. And L3Harris, apparently, remains one of the key players in maintaining the combat readiness of the American fleet.

Unlocking the potential of Red Wolf modular weapons for AH-1Z helicopters

 

The US Marine Corps may receive a key new tool for striking from a distance thanks to mysterious missiles included in the modular Red Wolf family of "firing effects" from L3Harris. These unique systems open up new horizons not only in the field of kinetic weapons, but also in the field of non-kinetic tasks such as communication relay.

Red Wolf is a family of multifunctional devices that can be configured for various tasks. First of all, these systems are designed for use on AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, which have long been considered the backbone of the US Marine Corps aviation. However, the capabilities of Red Wolf go far beyond the classic missile weapons.

Red Wolf systems can be configured to perform kinetic tasks — hitting targets at a distance using precision-guided warheads. But their uniqueness lies in their ability to adapt to non-kinetic roles, such as deploying communications relay nodes, collecting data, or even interfering with an adversary. This makes Red Wolf a universal solution for modern combat conditions.

The key advantage of Red Wolf is its modularity. This means that the same unit can be retrofitted for different tasks, depending on the operational need. For example, during one mission, the system can be used to destroy enemy equipment, and in another, to provide temporary communication between units in radio silence.

This flexibility allows the Marine Corps to significantly increase the effectiveness of its AH-1Z attack helicopters. Now they can not only perform combat missions, but also play an important role in providing communications and intelligence, becoming a universal tool on the battlefield.

The introduction of Red Wolf could be an important step in the development of technology for the Marine Corps. Experts note that such systems can be easily adapted to other platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ground vehicles. This opens the door to new opportunities in the field of tactical operations and logistics.

In addition, the use of non-kinetic functions, such as communication relay, can be especially useful in conditions of difficult terrain or in the absence of fixed communication systems. This will allow you to maintain communication between units even in the most remote areas.

For the US Marine Corps, the introduction of Red Wolf will be an important step in modernizing its strike capabilities. Systems of this type can not only improve the accuracy and effectiveness of strikes, but also expand the range of tasks performed. This is especially important in the context of modern conflicts, where rapid adaptation to changing conditions is required.

The US Space Force has adopted the first mobile satellite suppression station, Meadowlands

Mobile Satellite Suppression Station Meadowlands

The US Space Force has officially accepted the first mobile Meadowlands satellite suppression station from general contractor L3Harris. This system represents a significant improvement over previous versions and was designed to enhance mobility and enhance the suppression capabilities of the outdated Space Force communications countermeasures system.

Key Features of the Meadowlands

- Modernization of CCS: The Meadowlands is a major upgrade of the Space Force's first recognized offensive anti—space system, the Communications Countermeasures System (CCS), which has been in operation since 2004. 

- Multi-frequency jamming: The new system is capable of providing multi-frequency jamming in the S-band and X-band.

- Mobility: Meadowlands is designed on a mobile chassis, which allows you to quickly deploy the system in the right areas.

- Size reduction: The new version of the system reduces the operational footprint from 14 hardware racks to 3-4 racks.

Significance for the US Space Force

The Meadowlands will be used to create zones where the enemy will not be able to use their satellites for communication or navigation. This will give the United States a strategic advantage in the event of conflict, allowing American troops to operate in a safer and more secure environment. 

The first OA-1K Skyraider II has been transferred to the US Air Force Special Operations Command

 

OA-1K Skyraider II

In early April 2025, the US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) received the first copy of the OA-1K Skyraider II light attack aircraft.This aircraft, developed on the basis of the Air Tractor AT-802 agrotechnical aircraft and modified by L3Harris, is designed to perform special missions, including ground operations support, reconnaissance and armed surveillance.

The OA-1K Skyraider II is a modular platform that can quickly adapt to various tasks. It can carry Hellfire missiles, GBU-12 laser bombs and other types of precision weapons.The aircraft is also equipped with modern electronic optics and radio communication systems, which allows it to perform tasks in difficult conditions.

The choice of a light attack aircraft has raised some doubts about its relevance in the modern era, when the main focus is on high-tech systems and opposition to major powers.However, representatives of the US Air Force emphasize that Skyraider II is designed for operations in low-threat environments and will be effective in combating asymmetric threats such as terrorism and illegal armed groups.In addition, its low cost of operation and its ability to deploy quickly make it attractive for special operations.

The first OA-1K Skyraider II was delivered at Hurlburt Air Force Base, Florida, and real-world testing will begin soon.It is planned that in the coming years, several dozen more such aircraft will be produced for the needs of special operations.