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L3Harris wins major submarine comms contract By George Allison

Deal strengthens undersea communications capability as navies race to modernize secure networks amid rising global maritime tensions.

By Fiaz Ahmed Published a day ago 2 min read

L3Harris Technologies has secured a major defense contract to modernize and expand submarine communications systems, marking a significant boost for undersea warfare capabilities and allied naval cooperation. The agreement, announced this week, focuses on providing next-generation secure communications technology designed to keep submarines connected while preserving their stealth in increasingly contested maritime environments.
The contract will see L3Harris Technologies supply advanced communications suites capable of supporting both strategic and tactical missions. These systems are intended to ensure reliable data exchange between submarines, surface fleets, and command authorities, even in conditions of electronic interference or hostile jamming.
Defense officials familiar with the deal said the program is part of a broader effort to modernize submarine operations as undersea competition intensifies, particularly in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions. Submarines remain one of the most critical assets in modern navies due to their ability to gather intelligence, deter adversaries, and conduct precision strike missions undetected.
According to L3Harris, the new systems will integrate multiple communication methods, including very low frequency (VLF), ultra-high frequency (UHF), and satellite-based links. These layered capabilities allow submarines to receive orders without needing to surface, reducing the risk of detection. The technology will also support encrypted voice, data, and mission updates in near real time.
Industry analysts say the contract reflects growing demand for resilient naval communications as geopolitical tensions rise. “Submarines are only as effective as their ability to communicate securely with command structures,” one defense expert noted. “This deal highlights how communications technology has become just as vital as propulsion or weapon systems.”
While the total financial value of the contract has not been fully disclosed, sources describe it as a multi-year agreement worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Production and integration work will take place across several L3Harris facilities in the United States, supporting high-skilled engineering and manufacturing jobs.
The program is also expected to benefit allied navies operating jointly with the United States. Interoperability has become a central requirement for modern defense contracts, and officials confirmed the new communications architecture will be compatible with NATO standards. This allows partner nations to share secure data during joint patrols and exercises without compromising classified networks.
L3Harris has steadily expanded its naval portfolio in recent years, winning contracts for electronic warfare systems, sensors, and secure radios. The submarine communications deal strengthens its position as a leading supplier of maritime defense technology and signals continued government confidence in the firm’s ability to deliver mission-critical equipment.
From a strategic perspective, the contract underscores the renewed focus on undersea dominance. Nations are investing heavily in submarines capable of operating for extended periods with minimal exposure. Maintaining secure and uninterrupted communication in such conditions is considered one of the most complex technological challenges facing naval forces today.
Officials involved in the procurement process said the decision followed rigorous testing and evaluation of competing solutions. The chosen system demonstrated strong performance in simulated operational environments, including resistance to cyber intrusion and electronic disruption.
As global security dynamics evolve, undersea communication networks are expected to become even more sophisticated, incorporating artificial intelligence for signal management and automated threat detection. L3Harris has hinted that future upgrades could include adaptive systems that optimize signal transmission based on mission conditions.
The award of this contract not only strengthens submarine readiness but also reflects a broader shift toward network-centric warfare, where information superiority is seen as decisive. With this agreement, L3Harris positions itself at the center of that transformation, providing the invisible link that keeps submarines connected while remaining hidden beneath the surface.

defense

About the Creator

Fiaz Ahmed

I am Fiaz Ahmed. I am a passionate writer. I love covering trending topics and breaking news. With a sharp eye for what’s happening around the world, and crafts timely and engaging stories that keep readers informed and updated.

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