L3Harris Technologies, Inc. is an American technology company, defense contractor, and information technology services provider that produces products for command and control systems, wireless equipment, tactical radios, avionics and electronic systems, night vision equipment, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C3ISR) systems and products, ocean systems, instrumentation, navigation products, training devices and services, and both terrestrial/spaceborne antennas for use in the government, defense, and commercial sectors.
The company was formed from the merger of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation on June 29, 2019,[3] which made it the sixth-largest defense contractor in the United States.[4][5][6]
History
L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation
The "Harris Automatic Press Company" was founded by Alfred S. Harris in Niles, Ohio, in 1895. The company spent the next 60 years developing lithographic processes and printing presses before acquiring typesetting company Intertype Corporation. In 1967, they merged with Radiation, Inc. of Melbourne, Florida, a developer of antenna, integrated circuit, and modem technology used in the space race. The company headquarters was moved from Cleveland to Melbourne in 1978.[7][8] In May 2015, Harris finalized the purchase of competitor Exelis Inc., almost doubling the size of the original company.[9]
L-3 Communications was formed in 1997 to acquire certain business units from
Business organization
As of 2026, L3Harris is organized under three business segments: Space & Mission Systems, Communications and Spectrum Dominance, and Missile Solutions.[38] It is led by a 13-member board of directors, including chair and CEO Chris Kubasik.[3][32]
Space and Mission Systems
Space and Mission Systems specializes in space mission, payloads, and sensors for satellite navigation, ISR, weather, and missile defense; ground systems for space command and control and tracking; optical and wireless networking for situational awareness and air traffic management; defense avionics; and electronic warfare countermeasures; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and signals intelligence systems; electrical and electronic systems for maritime use; electro-optical systems including infrared, laser imaging, and targeting systems; defense aviation systems including weapons systems and
Products
- AVCATT, a mobile aviation training simulator
- StingRay and Hailstorm phone trackers[43][44]
- OpenSky wireless communication system
- TCAS, FDR & CVR products of the Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems product line, serviced and managed by OEMServices[45][46]
- hC2 L3Harris Command and Control Battle Management Suite—former "Harris Command and Control" [47]
Controversies
L3Harris has faced several allegations and settlements related to financial misconduct and employment practices. These include allegations of violating the False Claims Act through double billing on Department of Defense contracts and overcharging for parts. Additionally, the company has been involved in ERISA lawsuits related to excessive 401(k) fees. There have also been claims of discriminatory practices, including allegations of wrongful termination due to PTSD. Furthermore, L3Harris has settled export violation charges with the Department of State. [49][50][51][52][53][54][55]
Layoffs
L3Harris Technologies has recently been engaged in a series of layoffs, primarily as part of a cost-cutting measure and restructuring effort known as LHX NeXt. This initiative aims to streamline operations and achieve $1 billion in cost savings over the next three years.[60][61]
In April 2024, L3Harris announced a 5% reduction in its global workforce, impacting employees across various locations and departments. This workforce reduction is expected to affect hundreds of jobs in Palm Bay and other locations where the company operates. Additionally, in February 2025, L3Harris announced layoffs affecting 179 employees at its Rockwall facility in Texas, primarily due to the conclusion of the JAVA MAN program, an aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance program. The company noted that the majority of these affected employees resided out of state and worked remotely overseas. [60][62][63][64]
External links
References
- L3Harris Investor Overview L3Harris.com, retrieved February 16, 2022^
- L3Harris Technologies, Inc. 2024 Annual Report (Form 10-K) sec.gov, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, February 14, 2025, retrieved February 18, 2025^
- L3Harris Technologies Merger Successfully Completed; Board of Directors, Leadership and Organization Structure Announced.