L3Harris Technologies has secured its largest full-rate production agreement to date for submarine communications equipment, under a contract from General Dynamics Electric Boat covering 26 shipsets for US Navy Virginia– and Columbia-class submarines.
The communications suites are intended to improve onboard connectivity and operational awareness for submarine crews, integrating updated technologies designed for secure, reliable information sharing during missions.
The contract provides for production on both submarine programs through 2033, with options to extend support to additional Columbia-class boats and potentially to allied submarine fleets in the future.
“The ability for submarines to operate undetected is vital to the US Navy’s strategic advantage,” said Nino DiCosmo, President of Maritime, Space and Mission Systems at L3Harris.
“With decades of experience in submarine technology and in partnership with General Dynamics Electric Boat, L3Harris will deliver highly reliable, undetectable communications systems to enhance operational effectiveness.”
The contract adds to the company’s long-standing involvement in US Navy submarine communications programs, a role that has previously included work on the Ohio- and Los Angeles-class fleets.
The Submarines
The Virginia-class submarines are nuclear-powered fast-attack boats designed for operations in both coastal waters and the open ocean.
They carry out missions such as anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, land strikes with Tomahawk missiles, intelligence gathering, and support for naval groups.
About 377 feet (115 meters) long, they displace up to 10,200 tons, carry a crew of around 145, and are equipped with Mk 48 torpedoes and missile launch tubes.
The Columbia-class submarines, currently in development, will replace the Ohio-class and form the core of the US sea-based nuclear deterrent.
At about 560 feet (171 meters) long and with a submerged displacement of nearly 21,000 tons, they will be the largest submarines ever built for the US Navy.
Designed with a life-of-ship reactor that avoids mid-service refueling, they will also feature advanced stealth, modern sensors, ballistic missiles, and Mk 48 torpedoes for self-defense.
