US firm L3Harris and Italian electronic defense systems company ELT Group have teamed up to establish the first intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance multi-sensor test facility in Italy.
Set to be the first of its kind outside the US, the center is intended to enhance the mission readiness and defense infrastructure of Italy and allied countries. In particular, it will support the Joint Airborne Multi-Mission Multi-Sensor System (JAMMS) and EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft programs.
However, details of the specific location and the construction timeline were not disclosed.
“L3Harris’ industry partnerships deliver long-term benefits that support Italian businesses, while also maximizing mission readiness for military units,” L3Harris President of Integrated Mission Systems Jon Rambeau said.
Meanwhile, ELT Group CEO and COO Domitilla Benigni expressed delight in the company’s selection as a program partner.
“This cooperation marks the first step in developing next-generation capabilities in the Italian test and operational range environment,” she added.
Based on the Gulfstream G550
The JAMMS military surveillance and intelligence platform and EA-37B electronic warfare aircraft are both based on the Gulfstream G550 aircraft.
Earlier this month, Italy awarded L3Harris a $300-million contract to deliver two G550s that are equipped with a modern electromagnetic warfare system.
The US company partnered with BAE Systems on the program, representing the first time Washington approved an EA-37B sale to an international ally, according to the press release.
With the future testing facility, both aircraft can be “sustained and calibrated on a regular basis without having to leave the country,” Rambeau shared with Breaking Defense.
Furthermore, other air, naval, and ground platforms could also make use of the capability.
