L3Harris Technologies

L3Harris Technologies is a global aerospace and defense technology innovator, formed by the merger of equals between Harris Corporation and L3 Technologies. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, it is a major contractor for the United States Department of Defense, the United States Intelligence Community, and allied governments worldwide. The company specializes in developing advanced solutions for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR), space systems, and electronic warfare.

History

The company's lineage traces back to the 1895 founding of the Harris Automatic Press Company and the 1957 establishment of L3 Communications, which itself originated from divisions of Lockheed Corporation. The pivotal merger between Harris Corporation, a leader in communications and information technology, and L3 Technologies, known for C4ISR and sensor systems, was announced in late 2018 and completed on June 29, 2019, creating the sixth-largest defense contractor in the United States. This strategic combination was designed to better address the evolving priorities of the National Defense Strategy and compete with larger rivals like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies. Since the merger, the company has integrated its operations and pursued strategic divestitures, such as its Military Training business to CAE Inc., to sharpen its focus on core technology areas.

Corporate structure

The company is organized into four integrated segments, each aligning with key customer domains and technology capabilities. The Integrated Mission Systems segment focuses on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and aviation systems, while the Space and Airborne Systems segment develops advanced sensors and payloads for space, airborne, and ground-based platforms. The Communication Systems segment provides tactical and broadband communications for defense and public safety, and the Aviation Systems segment delivers products for flight safety, flight deck systems, and airport security. Leadership is provided by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Christopher E. Kubasik, a veteran of Lockheed Martin and former President of L3 Technologies.

Products and services

Its portfolio encompasses a wide array of sophisticated systems, including the F-35 Lightning II electronic warfare suite, the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) payloads, and the Falcon III family of tactical radios. The company is a critical provider of geospatial intelligence through its involvement in programs like the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office's next-generation satellite systems. Other key products include the AN/ALQ-214 integrated defensive electronic countermeasures system, night vision devices, air traffic control systems, and secure networking solutions for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It also supplies mission-critical components for major platforms such as the B-21 Raider and various unmanned aerial vehicles.

Operations and facilities

With a global workforce of approximately 50,000 employees, its operations are concentrated in the United States, with significant facilities in states like Florida, New York, California, and Texas. Major sites include its headquarters and research labs in Melbourne, Florida, manufacturing and engineering centers in Greenville, Texas and Rochester, New York, and a large presence in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area supporting government customers. Internationally, it maintains offices and operations in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other allied nations to support local programs and international partnerships like the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.

Financial performance

As a publicly traded entity on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LHX, it is a constituent of the S&P 500 index. The company reports annual revenue consistently exceeding $18 billion, with a significant portion derived from contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense and allied international ministries of defense. Its financial strategy emphasizes investment in research and development for next-generation technologies in domains like hypersonics, artificial intelligence, and cyber warfare, while also returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.