L3Harris wins $1 billion communications system contract from US Navy
According to L3Harris, the MIDS JTRS terminal delivers Link 16 and Tactical Air Navigation system functionality. (Photo: L3Harris)
L3Harris Technologies has been awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity US$1 billion contract from the US Navy (USN) to provide the US and coalition forces with resilient communication technology.
Over the next five years, L3Harris will work to deliver its Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System Terminals (MIDS JTRS) to the USN. It is one of two companies who provides this solution – part of the Link 16 portfolio of communication systems for a variety of air, ground and maritime platforms.
According to the US Department of Defense there are three variants of MIDS JTRS terminals: the Concurrent Multi-Netting-4, the Tactical Targeting Network Technology and the F-22 variant.
“The current threat environment requires the US and its coalition partners collaborating together, in real time, to stamp out adversarial aggression near ally and partner sovereign borders,” said Christopher E. Kubasik, chair and CEO at L3Harris.
“Our resilient technology ensures all users in these coalitions know where friendly forces are and what they are doing to inform a common operating picture and achieve mission success,” he added.
The company acquired Viasat’s Link 16 in January 2023 for approximately US$2 billion. As noted by L3Harris, it is a multi-domain network that provides communications, situational awareness, command and control (C2) and targeting information to forces worldwide.
L3Harris was previously awarded a US$998 million indefinite contract for the production, retrofit, development and sustainment of the MIDS JTRS terminals by the US Navy in June 2024. The contract also included purchases for the USN, US Air Force, MIDS programme office, NATO and other NATO nations.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
European Defence Agency picks Airbus Helicopters’ Capa-X for M2UAS project
The multi-mission uncrewed platform project is aiming to help the EU agency define new drone designs that are capable of performing a wide range of mission sets with one adaptable airframe.
-
Anduril marks new milestones with YFQ-44A flight tests as USAF plans further demos
A production decision on Increment 1 of the CCA Programme is due to be made by the end of the year, with further demonstrations building on F-22 Raptor and MQ-20 Avenger teaming flight tests.
-
First confirmed US one‑way drone strike on Iran sharpens Pentagon UAV expansion
The US is currently escalating its efforts to acquire more than 300,000 low-cost one-way attack drones, with the confirmed use of these platforms against Iran in recent days emphasising their growing use in combat.
-
UK MoD awards Leonardo with £1 billion New Medium Helicopter contract
The £1 billion contract has secured jobs at Leonardo’s Yeovil site and will provide the British forces with 23 new medium-lift helicopters.
-
NSPA outlines next steps for NATO’s Next-Generation Rotorcraft Capability effort
The NATO agency gave further updates on the next stages of its rotorcraft programme and timelines for the next three years, with the initiative aimed at replacing ageing medium-lift helicopters in various NATO countries.
-
UK’s New Medium Helicopter deal finalisation on horizon, alludes Leonardo CEO
A potential announcement within days could end speculation around the UK Ministry of Defence’s procurement direction for the NMH programme.