L3Harris wins up to $60M Army contract for a drone-killing interceptor

L3Harris Technologies received a three-year contract worth up to $60 million from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center to develop a long-range, maneuverable interceptor for the Xtended Range Counter-sUAS Missile program. The work advances the project into its second phase, which involves flight performance testing of a fully integrated interceptor.

The interceptor is designed to counter small to medium unmanned aircraft systems as well as traditional Short Range Air Defense threats, with greater range, speed, and operational flexibility than current systems, according to the company. L3Harris says the design combines propulsion, guidance, and seeker technologies, and uses a new approach to air-breathing ramjet engines meant to improve fuel efficiency and extend engagement range.

The company says the system is modular and deployable from existing launch platforms, and that it is also adapting its broader counter-sUAS solution for compatibility with current U.S. military platforms so it can integrate into existing operational setups more quickly.

Why it matters

It shows continued U.S. military investment in counter-drone defense as small drone threats become a bigger battlefield concern.

Source: L3Harris Technologies