CPI Aerostructures Inc. has secured a fully definitized contract from L3Harris Technologies totaling $13.6 million to supply airborne pod structures for the U.S. Navy’s electronic warfare capabilities. The agreement, which replaces a previously announced undefinitized contract action with a not-to-exceed value of $12.1 million, underscores growing demand for advanced defense assemblies. This win is material for CPI Aerostructures as it cements its role in the Next Generation Jammer Low Band (NGJ-LB) program, a critical component of the Navy’s strategy to modernize its fleet and replace aging tactical jamming systems.

The contract specifically supports L3Harris’ delivery of operational prototype pods to the Naval Air Systems Command for fleet assessment. Additionally, CPI Aerostructures will provide test assets required for airworthiness and design verification. The NGJ-LB pods are designed to fly on the EA-18G Growler aircraft, serving as integral components in the transition away from the legacy AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System. This program represents a significant upgrade in capability, aiming to consolidate advanced processing with increased jamming power while enhancing maintainability through a modular, open-system architecture.

Program Progress and Engineering Support

CPI Aerostructures has already demonstrated progress on the program by delivering the first Test Article to L3Harris. Since the program commenced in late 2024, the company has been providing Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) engineering support. This early engagement allows for seamless integration of manufacturing efficiencies into the design phase, reducing long-term production costs and timelines. The shift from an undefinitized action to a fully definitized contract provides greater revenue visibility and confirms the technical specifications agreed upon between the parties.

Strategic Importance of NGJ-LB

The Next Generation Jammer Low Band is an advanced airborne electronic warfare system designed to operate with joint and allied forces. The L3Harris solution offers growth capacity for future technology integration, ensuring the system remains effective against evolving adversarial capabilities. By enabling seamless upgrades, the modular architecture reduces the lifecycle cost of the system compared to legacy platforms. For CPI Aerostructures, this contract reinforces its position as a leading manufacturer of structural assemblies in both commercial and military defense aerospace markets.

What the Numbers Show

The increase in contract value from the previous $12.1 million not-to-exceed limit to $13.6 million indicates finalization of scope and potentially additional requirements or refined cost estimates. This upward adjustment suggests that the initial undefinitized action was conservative, allowing for flexibility during the early engineering phases. The definitive nature of the new contract reduces execution risk for CPI Aerostructures, as the terms are now fixed and binding. Furthermore, the company’s ability to deliver the first Test Article ahead of full-rate production highlights its operational readiness and strong supplier relationships within the defense sector.

CPI Aerostructures, Inc. has secured multiple purchase orders totaling $8.3 million under a previously announced Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract from the U.S. Air Force. The orders cover structural modification kits, program management, logistics, and sustainment services for Phase 3 of the T-38C Pacer Classic III Fuselage Structural Modification Kit Integration program and the Talon Repair Inspection and Maintenance program. These awards raise the total funded value of the contract to $69 million, extending the performance period through 2028.

Contract Details

The IDIQ contract supports kit deliveries and related services for the T-38C aircraft fleet. The latest purchase orders specifically address the integration of structural modification kits and ongoing maintenance requirements.

Financial Impact

With the addition of the $8.3 million in orders, the cumulative value of the contract now stands at $69 million. The funded period of performance for these deliveries extends through 2028, providing visibility into future revenue streams associated with the U.S. Air Force sustainment programs.