L3Harris

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

File:L3Harris Technologies logo.svg Logo of L3Harris Technologies
Company type	Public
Industry	Technology, Defense
Predecessor	L3 Technologies, Harris Corporation
Founded	June 29, 2019 (2019-06-29)
Headquarters	Melbourne, Florida , United States
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Chris Kubasik (Chairman and CEO)
Products	Command and control solutions, wireless communication devices, tactical radios, avionics systems, night vision equipment, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms, oceanographic systems, instrumentation, navigation tools, training simulators, antennas
Website	www.l3harris.com

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. is a U.S.-based technology and defense firm delivering a wide range of products including command and control solutions, wireless communication devices, tactical radios, avionics systems, night vision equipment, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C3ISR) platforms, oceanographic systems, instrumentation, navigation tools, training simulators, as well as antennas for both terrestrial and space applications. These offerings serve government agencies, defense sectors, and commercial customers.

The company was established on June 29, 2019, through the combination of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation, positioning it as the sixth-largest defense contractor in the United States.

History

Founded in 1895 by Alfred S. Harris in Niles, Ohio, the Harris Automatic Press Company originally specialized in lithography and printing press manufacturing. The company expanded its footprint by acquiring typesetting firm Intertype Corporation and later merged with Radiation, Inc. of Melbourne, Florida in 1967—a pioneer in antenna design, integrated circuits, and modem technologies instrumental during the space race era. The corporate headquarters relocated from Cleveland to Melbourne in 1978. In May 2015, Harris significantly increased its scale by purchasing rival Exelis Inc..

L-3 Communications was launched in 1997 to acquire certain business units from Lockheed Martin that had previously been part of Loral Corporation. Its founders, Frank Lanza and Robert LaPenta—both veterans of Loral and Lockheed—secured financial support from Lehman Brothers. Through strategic mergers and acquisitions, L-3 grew into a top-ten U.S. government contractor. The company rebranded as L3 Technologies, Inc. in late 2016 to better represent its diversified portfolio.

From 1999 through August 2021, L3Harris and its antecedent entities invested $131.9 million in lobbying efforts concerning matters such as ICE radio procurement programs, funding for the Intelligence Authorization Act, Department of Homeland Security appropriations for unmanned vehicle initiatives, and night vision technology research.

In 2008, L3 Services was involved in litigation over alleged human rights abuses in Iraq; the dispute concluded with a settlement in 2012—an important case within the context of U.S. civil actions regarding detainee treatment.

A 2012 contract saw L3’s subsidiary KDI Precision Products supply JDAM bomb fuzes to Israel valued at $647 million; these munitions were deployed by the Israel Defense Forces during the 2014 Gaza conflict, attracting criticism from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

In October 2018, Harris and L3 revealed plans for an all-stock "merger of equals," which necessitated Harris divesting its night vision business due to antitrust regulations. The merger finalized in June 2019 under the name L3Harris Technologies, Inc., with headquarters established in Melbourne, Florida. William M. Brown assumed roles as Chairman and CEO while the former L3 CEO took on President and COO responsibilities. In June 2021, Chris Kubasik replaced Brown as CEO; Brown continued as Executive Chair.

Between 2006 and July 2021, L3Harris secured 136 contracts with U.S. Customs and Border Protection along with Immigration and Customs Enforcement worth $308.2 million collectively; additionally, blanket purchase agreements potentially valued at nearly $6 billion were awarded.

In 2018, L3Harris acquired Australian cybersecurity firms Azimuth Security and Linchpin Labs—specialists in zero-day exploits—and merged them into Trenchant, reportedly serving clients including the Five Eyes intelligence alliance and the FBI.

In 2019, L3Harris paid $13 million to resolve violations related to the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), stemming from 131 separate infractions committed by Harris prior to their merger.

A corporate restructuring occurred in January 2022 that dissolved the Aviation Systems division; its functions were redistributed among Integrated Mission Systems, Space & Airborne Systems, and Communications Systems segments.

Chris Kubasik succeeded Bill Brown as Chair in June 2022 following Brown’s retirement.

That same month, L3Harris initiated but ultimately ceased acquisition discussions with Israeli spyware developer NSO after opposition from the White House.

In December 2022, L3Harris agreed to purchase Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings for $4.7 billion in cash; this transaction was completed on July 28, 2023.

Looking ahead to October 2025, Israel formalized a memorandum of understanding with L3Harris aimed at developing new light attack aircraft tailored for border defense under the Israeli Sky Warden initiative.

Business organization

By 2023, L3Harris structured its operations into four main divisions: Integrated Mission Systems, Space & Airborne Systems, Communication Systems, and Aerojet Rocketdyne. The corporation is overseen by a board of directors comprising 13 members, with Chris Kubasik serving as both chairman and CEO.

Integrated Mission Systems

Located in Palm Bay, Florida, the Integrated Mission Systems division specializes in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) alongside signals intelligence capabilities. It also develops maritime electrical and electronic equipment, electro-optical technologies such as infrared and laser imaging, defense aviation platforms including weapons systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as commercial aviation services like the L3Harris Airline Academy. This segment incorporates former Aviation Systems units and the Wescam business, generating $7.0 billion in revenue during 2021.

In November 2023, L3Harris declared its intention to divest the Commercial Aviation Solutions unit to The Jordan Company for a transaction valued at up to $800 million.

Space & Airborne Systems

Also headquartered in Palm Bay, Florida, the Space & Airborne Systems segment focuses on developing space mission payloads and sensors for applications including satellite navigation, ISR, weather observation, and missile defense. It also provides ground-based command and control systems for space operations; optical and wireless networking solutions to support situational awareness and air traffic management; defense avionics; and electronic warfare countermeasure technologies. This division includes former Aviation Systems components and reported $6.0 billion in revenue in 2021.

Ocean & Maritime Systems

Produced in Panama City, Florida, Ocean & Maritime Systems provides maritime mission solutions featuring marine engineering, integrated maritime platforms, and sensor systems that support surveillance and reconnaissance efforts through autonomous surface vehicles and signal control technologies. L3Harris was selected by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to create an autonomous swarm prototype that integrates commercial technologies enabling the command-and-control of multiple unmanned aerial, ground, and marine vehicles to enhance military collaborative autonomy.

Communications Systems

Based in Rochester, New York, Communications Systems concentrates on tactical and broadband communication technologies, night vision products (originating from L3 Technologies distinct from Harris, ITT, or Exelis), and public safety solutions. Its divisions achieved $4.3 billion in revenue during 2021.

Aerojet Rocketdyne

Operating out of Palm Bay, Florida, Aerojet Rocketdyne consists of two primary business units: "Missile Solutions" and "Space Propulsion and Power Systems." The company recorded $2.2 billion in revenue in 2022 prior to its acquisition by L3Harris in 2023.

Products

• AVCATT, a mobile aviation training simulator
• StingRay and Hailstorm cellular tracking devices
• OpenSky wireless communication platform
• Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems offerings including TCAS, FDR, and CVR supported by OEMServices
• hC2 L3Harris Command and Control Battle Management Suite (previously known as "Harris Command and Control")
• Integrated Core Processor serving as the primary computer for the F-35 Lightning II and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft
• GPNVG-18 night vision goggles featuring four tubes for an expanded field of view
• AN/PVS-31A BNVD and 1531 BNVD binocular articulating night vision goggles issued as standard equipment for US SOCOM
• Azimuth technology enabling data extraction from locked mobile phones, acquired through Australian firm Azimuth Security in 2018

Controversies

L3Harris has encountered several accusations and legal resolutions related to financial improprieties and workplace conduct. The corporation notably resolved claims under the False Claims Act concerning duplicate billing and inflated charges on Department of Defense contracts, including a settlement amounting to $62 million. It also addressed lawsuits under ERISA involving excessive fees associated with its 401(k) plans. Allegations of discriminatory conduct include claims of wrongful dismissal connected to PTSD. Furthermore, L3Harris consented to a $13 million settlement over export compliance violations with the U.S. Department of State.

False Claims Act Allegations

The company was accused of breaching the False Claims Act by submitting duplicate invoices to the Department of Defense for parts and supplies, such as charging separately for nuts and bolts both as individual items and as components within a material additive factor, resulting in overbilling.

Legal Settlements

L3Harris agreed to pay $62 million to resolve accusations involving false representations and breaches of the Truth In Negotiations Act, along with an additional $21.8 million settlement addressing the duplicate billing allegations.

ERISA-Related Litigation

The firm settled a class action lawsuit for $650,000 concerning claims of excessive administrative and record-keeping fees within its 401(k) plan, as well as insufficient oversight of investment selections.

Alleged Discriminatory Dismissal

A former employee successfully pursued legal action against L3Harris, asserting wrongful termination related to PTSD. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated the case, recognizing PTSD as a potential contributing factor in the dismissal.

Retaliation Allegations

Another employee is advancing claims that their termination was retaliatory after reporting suspected misconduct, potentially contravening provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act and the False Claims Act.

Export Compliance Issues

L3Harris resolved export violation allegations with the Department of State by agreeing to a $13 million payment.

Surveillance Technology Concerns

The company has been involved in developing surveillance tools, including the "Stingray" device, which has attracted scrutiny and criticism regarding privacy implications and law enforcement applications.

Workforce Reductions

As part of its LHX NeXt restructuring initiative aimed at achieving $1 billion in cost reductions over three years, L3Harris Technologies announced workforce cutbacks. In April 2024, the company revealed plans to reduce its global headcount by 5%, impacting hundreds of positions across various sites such as Palm Bay. Subsequently, in February 2025, L3Harris laid off 179 employees at its Rockwall, Texas location following the completion of the JAVA MAN aerial intelligence project; a majority of those affected were remote workers based overseas.

These personnel adjustments are part of broader operational realignments driven by economic challenges and a commitment to financial resilience. Additionally, L3Harris is addressing satellite supply chain disruptions by switching to an alternative supplier to enhance delivery schedules.