L3Harris Technologies has secured a contract from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to modernize and sustain the aircraft tracking network through 2045. The agreement focuses on enhancing the airspace surveillance systems that monitor aircraft across the nation.

Contract Scope

The contract encompasses the modernization of the existing infrastructure to ensure continued operational efficiency. The work will extend the lifecycle of the surveillance network, maintaining critical safety and navigation services for the FAA.

Strategic Importance

This partnership underscores the role of L3Harris in maintaining national airspace security. The modernization effort is designed to address evolving technological requirements and support the FAA's mission to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.

L3Harris Technologies broke ground on two additional facilities at its Arkansas Advanced Propulsion Facilities (AAPF) campus in Camden to support increased production capacity for the U.S. Army’s PAC-3 propulsion systems. The expansion reinforces the nation’s ability to meet rising demands and strengthens military readiness by delivering proven capabilities faster and in greater quantities.

Expansion Details

The two new PAC-3 propulsion facilities encompass a ~75,000 square feet cast, cure and final assembly facility and a ~70,000 square feet case preparation facility. These buildings will incorporate advanced manufacturing capabilities, including automated X-ray inspection systems leveraging AI for rapid defect detection, fully automated casting, and expanded curing capacity designed to accelerate production throughput.

Strategic Context

L3Harris produces the PAC-3 MSE interceptor’s advanced two-pulse solid rocket motor, Attitude Control Motors, and the Lethality Enhancer. The company and Arkansas state leaders broke ground on the broader AAPF campus last year as part of an ongoing effort to build modernized solid rocket motor production facilities at key sites across the nation. The AAPF will specialize in the production of medium and large solid rocket motors supporting tactical and air defense missiles, missile defense targets, interceptors, hypersonic vehicles and emerging missile defense needs.

Broader Manufacturing Footprint

L3Harris is building approximately 60 facilities and expanding its manufacturing footprint by nearly 1 million square feet across its production sites in Alabama, Arkansas and Virginia. Christopher Kubasik, Chairman and CEO of L3Harris, stated that the company is self-funding these new facilities to move at the speed the mission requires.