L3Harris
An American defense and technology company supplying communications, sensing, aerospace, electronic-warfare, space, and mission systems.
Last updated October 14, 2026
AI crawler reads
6requests
1companies- Anthropic6
- Profile
- 2
- Controversies
- 2
- JSON · MD
- 0
- First read
- Nov 4, 2026
- Latest read
- Nov 4, 2026
From this site's server log
Overview
L3Harris Technologies is a United States-based defense contractor, technology company, and information-technology services provider. The company was created on June 29, 2019, through the all-stock merger of Harris Corporation and L3 Technologies. The combination brought together Harris's long history in communications, electronics, space, and government systems with L3's portfolio of sensors, communications equipment, aviation systems, training products, intelligence technologies, and defense electronics. The merged company became one of the largest U.S. defense contractors and adopted Melbourne, Florida, the former Harris headquarters, as its corporate base. L3Harris develops and integrates systems used for command and control, tactical communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic warfare, avionics, night vision, missile propulsion, space missions, maritime operations, public safety, and air-traffic management. Its customers include the U.S. Department of Defense, other U.S. federal agencies, allied governments, commercial aviation operators, and selected industrial and public-safety organizations. Its offerings range from software and networked command systems to tactical radios, satellite payloads, infrared and electro-optical sensors, aircraft computers, training simulators, unmanned systems, and rocket engines. The company's historical foundations are older than the L3Harris name. Harris began in 1895 as the Harris Automatic Press Company in Ohio and spent much of the first half of the twentieth century in printing and lithographic equipment. Its later acquisition of Intertype and 1967 merger with Radiation, Inc. moved the business toward electronics, antennas, integrated circuits, modems, and space-related technologies. Harris relocated its headquarters to Melbourne in 1978 and expanded substantially with the acquisition of Exelis in 2015. L3 Communications, meanwhile, was established in 1997 by Frank Lanza and Robert LaPenta, together with Lehman Brothers, to acquire business units associated with Lockheed Martin and Loral. It grew through acquisitions and changed its name to L3 Technologies in 2016 as its activities broadened beyond communications. Since the merger, L3Harris has pursued a portfolio strategy focused on defense technologies that connect sensors, communications networks, aircraft, spacecraft, weapons, and command systems. The company acquired Australian cyber-exploit developers Azimuth Security and Linchpin Labs in 2018; their capabilities were combined under the Trenchant name. In 2023, it completed the $4.7 billion acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne, adding missile propulsion and related space and defense technologies. It has also announced portfolio restructuring, including the planned divestiture of its Commercial Aviation Solutions business and later changes to the Aerojet Rocketdyne businesses. L3Harris has faced scrutiny over defense exports, government contracting, surveillance technologies, detainee-treatment claims involving a predecessor business, employment practices, retirement-plan fees, and alleged billing and procurement violations. The company has entered settlements in several matters, including a 2019 U.S. State Department resolution concerning export-control allegations and later settlements involving government-contract billing and employee-benefit claims. These controversies reflect the regulatory and ethical issues associated with supplying military, intelligence, border-security, law-enforcement, and cyber capabilities. Despite this scrutiny, L3Harris remains an active major supplier to the U.S. government and allied defense markets.
History
L3Harris combines two corporate histories. Harris originated in 1895 when Alfred S. Harris established the Harris Automatic Press Company in Niles, Ohio. The early business concentrated on printing presses and lithographic technology, later acquiring Intertype Corporation, a typesetting-equipment company. A major strategic shift came in 1967, when Harris merged with Radiation, Inc., a Florida technology company whose work included antennas, integrated circuits, and modem technology used in the U.S. space program. The headquarters moved from Cleveland to Melbourne, Florida, in 1978. Harris continued developing communications, electronics, space, and government technologies and acquired Exelis in 2015. L3 Communications was formed in 1997 by Frank Lanza and Robert LaPenta, in partnership with Lehman Brothers. The founders had been executives at Loral and Lockheed-related businesses. The new company acquired selected business units that had passed through Loral and Lockheed Martin, then expanded through further acquisitions into communications, sensors, aviation, training, intelligence, and defense electronics. In 2016, L-3 Communications Holdings changed its name to L3 Technologies to reflect a broader technology portfolio. The two companies announced a merger of equals in October 2018. Competition authorities required Harris to divest its night-vision division because combining the companies' night-vision businesses could have reduced competition. The transaction closed on June 29, 2019, creating L3Harris Technologies. William M. Brown, formerly Harris's chief executive, became chairman and chief executive, while L3's former chief executive took the president and chief operating officer role. Christopher Kubasik became chief executive in 2021 and later became chairman. L3Harris has continued to expand through acquisitions and portfolio changes. In 2018, it acquired Australian cyber-exploit developers Azimuth Security and Linchpin Labs and combined them as Trenchant. In 2022, it reorganized its operating structure by removing the Aviation Systems segment and assigning its activities to other divisions. In 2023, it completed the acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne, adding missile systems and propulsion to its portfolio. The business has also pursued divestitures, including the announced sale of Commercial Aviation Solutions, as it concentrates on defense, space, communications, and mission systems. The company's activities have generated recurring legal and public-policy scrutiny. A predecessor business faced litigation concerning alleged mistreatment of Iraqi detainees, which was settled in 2012. Harris also reached a 2019 settlement with the U.S. Department of State concerning export-control allegations. Later matters included claims involving government-contract billing, employee retirement-plan fees, workplace termination, and alleged retaliation. L3Harris's surveillance and cyber capabilities, including StingRay cellular-monitoring products and Trenchant's exploit-development work, have likewise prompted debate about privacy, lawful access, proliferation, and accountability. The company remains an active U.S. and allied-government contractor with a broad portfolio spanning tactical communications, electronic warfare, aerospace, space, missile, intelligence, and public-safety technologies.
- 2023
Aerojet Rocketdyne acquisition completed
[1]L3Harris completed its acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne for a reported $4.7 billion in cash.
- 2022
Operating structure reorganized
[1]The Aviation Systems segment was eliminated and its businesses were redistributed.
- 2019
L3Harris formed
[1]The merger closed on June 29, creating L3Harris Technologies.
- 2018
Merger of equals announced
[1]Harris and L3 Technologies announced their planned all-stock combination.
- 2016
L-3 Communications becomes L3 Technologies
[1]The name change reflected the company's expansion beyond its original communications focus.
- 2015
Harris completes Exelis acquisition
[1]The acquisition substantially expanded Harris's defense and government-technology activities.
- 1997
L-3 Communications established
[1]Frank Lanza and Robert LaPenta formed L-3 Communications with Lehman Brothers.
- 1978
Headquarters moves to Melbourne
[1]Harris moved its corporate headquarters from Cleveland to Melbourne, Florida.
- 1967
Harris merges with Radiation, Inc.
[1]The transaction moved Harris further into antennas, electronics, communications, and space-related technology.
- 1895
Harris Automatic Press Company founded
[1]Alfred S. Harris founded the company that later became Harris Corporation in Niles, Ohio.
Products and positioning
A high-end defense and mission-technology supplier focused on interoperable communications, sensing, electronic warfare, aerospace, space, and national-security systems.
Communications
Tactical radios and communications systems
L3Harris supplies secure tactical radios, broadband communications, networking equipment, and command-and-control connectivity for military and public-safety users. The portfolio includes the AN/PRC-117G family and other software-defined systems designed to connect dismounted personnel, vehicles, aircraft, and command posts across contested or bandwidth-limited environments.
Electronic warfare
Electronic-warfare and spectrum-dominance systems
These systems detect, identify, protect against, and disrupt electromagnetic threats. Products and subsystems support electronic support, electronic attack, communications protection, countermeasures, and spectrum management for aircraft, ships, ground forces, and intelligence organizations.
Sensors
WESCAM electro-optical systems
WESCAM systems provide stabilized electro-optical and infrared imaging, laser designation, targeting, and surveillance. They are used on aircraft, unmanned systems, maritime platforms, and ground vehicles for observation and precision mission support.
Soldier systems
Night-vision systems
The company provides image-intensification devices including GPNVG-18 panoramic goggles and binocular night-vision devices such as the AN/PVS-31A and related BNVD products. These systems support low-light observation and navigation for military and law-enforcement users.
Avionics
Avionics and aircraft mission computers
L3Harris develops aircraft computers, avionics, flight-management and surveillance equipment, training systems, and mission electronics. Its Integrated Core Processor is associated with aircraft including the F-35 Lightning II and C-130J Super Hercules.
Space systems
Space and satellite systems
Space offerings include satellite payloads, sensors, antennas, communications links, navigation and weather systems, space-domain-awareness equipment, and ground infrastructure for tracking and command. The portfolio serves civil, commercial, intelligence, and defense missions.
Missile and rocket propulsion · 2023
Aerojet Rocketdyne propulsion systems
Following the Aerojet Rocketdyne acquisition, L3Harris added propulsion and missile technologies used in defense and space programs. The acquired portfolio includes rocket engines, propulsion components, and missile-system capabilities.
Counter-UAS
VAMPIRE counter-unmanned-aircraft system
VAMPIRE is a modular system intended to detect and defeat unmanned aircraft. It combines sensors, command software, and effectors for mobile counter-drone missions.
Law-enforcement technology
StingRay cellular surveillance systems
StingRay and related systems are cellular-network monitoring and phone-tracking technologies used by authorized law-enforcement and government customers. Their use has generated continuing debate about privacy, warrants, and transparency.
Controversies
2023
Government-contract billing allegations
The company settled allegations that it had charged the Department of Defense for certain parts both through a material additive factor and as separately billed items.
2022
Retirement-plan fee lawsuit
Former employees filed an ERISA class action alleging excessive 401(k) recordkeeping and administrative fees and inadequate monitoring of investment options. The matter was settled in 2024.
2020
RANA Technologies sues L3Harris over alleged employment-contract interference
RANA Technologies Enterprises filed a complaint against L3Harris Technologies alleging tortious interference with employment contracts and non-compete agreements, breach of a nondisclosure agreement, and related claims. These are allegations in the complaint.
2019
Export-control settlement
Harris Corporation agreed to pay $13 million to resolve U.S. Department of State allegations involving 131 violations of the Arms Export Control Act and ITAR rules.
2012
Settlement of Iraqi detainee case
The settlement was described as a significant resolution of a U.S. civil case concerning detainee treatment outside the United States.
2008
Iraqi detainee-treatment litigation
Seventy-two Iraqi civilians sued an L3 Services subsidiary over alleged torture, abuse, sexual assault, and other mistreatment at Abu Ghraib and other Iraqi detention facilities. The case reached a settlement in 2012.
Brand decisions
2022
Reorganize operating segmentsStrategyBackground
The company sought to simplify its organizational structure after the merger.
Action taken
L3Harris eliminated the Aviation Systems segment and redistributed its businesses among other segments.
Aftermath
Aviation, sensor, and related activities were managed within the remaining business groups.
2022
Agree to acquire Aerojet RocketdyneM&ABackground
L3Harris aimed to strengthen its position in missile systems and space propulsion.
Action taken
The company agreed to acquire Aerojet Rocketdyne in a cash transaction.
Aftermath
The acquisition closed on July 28, 2023, adding missile and propulsion businesses.
announced transaction value. $4.7 billion (December 2022 announcement)
2018
Agree to merge Harris Corporation and L3 TechnologiesM&ABackground
Both companies sought greater scale in defense electronics, communications, aerospace, and government technology.
Action taken
The companies announced an all-stock merger of equals, subject to regulatory review and divestitures.
Aftermath
The transaction closed in June 2019 and created L3Harris Technologies.
2018
Acquire Azimuth Security and Linchpin LabsM&ABackground
L3 sought specialized cyber-exploit and mobile-device access capabilities.
Action taken
The Australian companies were acquired and later combined under Trenchant.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded L3Harris's capabilities in lawful access, cyber operations, and exploit development.
Recent events
Reported
L3Harris opens East Camden production facility[4]
L3Harris opened its Arsenal of Freedom solid rocket motor production facility in East Camden, Arkansas. The facility is designed to double current production capacity, with additional growth available.
Reported
L3Harris appoints Sam Mehta as president and CEO[5]
L3Harris Technologies' board appointed Sam Mehta as president and CEO effective immediately, succeeding Chris Kubasik, who was removed due to violations of the company's code of conduct. The company reaffirmed its 2026 financial projections.
CAE completes acquisition of L3Harris Military Training business[6]
CAE completed its acquisition of L3Harris Technologies' Military Training business for US$1.05 billion after receiving regulatory approvals and meeting the other closing conditions. The business will operate under CAE USA.
- Unconfirmed
Reported
CAE receives approvals for L3Harris Military Training acquisition[7]
CAE said it had received all required regulatory approvals for its acquisition of L3Harris Technologies’ Military Training business. The article said closing was expected to be complete on July 2, 2021.
Reported
Aireon and the FAA announce data-exploration partnership[8]
Aireon announced a partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration to explore uses of space-based ADS-B across the air traffic management spectrum. Under the agreement, the FAA will have broad intra-agency access to Aireon's real-time air traffic surveillance data; L3Harris Technologies is the prime contractor.
Reported
L3Harris launches satellite for U.S. Air Force constellation[9]
L3Harris launched a satellite for a classified U.S. Air Force constellation as part of a demonstration series of end-to-end small satellites.
Reported
L3Harris unveils Iver4 580 unmanned undersea vehicle[10]
L3Harris held a virtual unveiling for its man-portable Iver4 580 unmanned undersea vehicle on June 24.
Reported
RANA Technologies sues L3Harris over alleged employment-contract interference[3]
RANA Technologies Enterprises filed a complaint against L3Harris Technologies alleging tortious interference with employment contracts and non-compete agreements, breach of a nondisclosure agreement, and related claims. These are allegations in the complaint.
Reported
Leidos completes acquisition of L3Harris security businesses[11]
Leidos completed its acquisition of L3Harris Technologies' Security Detection and Automation businesses for approximately $1 billion in cash.
Sources12 sources
- 1L3Harrisen.wikipedia.org
- 2L3Harris Technologies official websitel3harris.com
- 3RANA Technologies sues L3Harris over alleged employment-contract interferencelawstreetmedia.com
- 4L3Harris在东卡姆登开设生产设施arkansasonline.com
- 5L3Harris任命Sam Mehta为总裁兼首席执行官satellitetoday.com
- 6CAE 完成对 L3Harris 军事训练业务的收购aero-news.net
- 7CAE获得收购L3Harris军事训练业务的监管批准wingsmagazine.com
- 8Aireon与美国联邦航空管理局宣布数据探索合作prnewswire.co.uk
- 9L3Harris为美国空军星座发射卫星satellitetoday.com
- 10L3Harris发布Iver4 580无人水下航行器pbn.com
- 11Leidos完成收购L3Harris安检业务prnewswire.com
- 12Leidos acquires L3Harris’ airport security business in $1bn dealairport-technology.com
Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/l3harris · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled