Benzinga | Oct 5, 2021 08:44AM EDT

L3Harris Says Selected To Improve B-52 Self-Defense Via $947M Contract

L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) will modernize the U.S. Air Force B-52 aircraft to protect aircrew from enemy radar threats under a new 10-year, sole-source $947 million IDIQ contract.

L3Harris will enhance the aircrafts' AN/ALQ-172 electronic warfare (EW) self-protection system, providing a combat proven integrated radio frequency system that can simultaneously counter multiple electronic spectrum threats that interfere with aircraft operations. L3Harris has an opportunity to expand the scope of work on the program from software sustainment to hardware upgrades.

"Competition for the electromagnetic spectrum is fierce and without spectrum dominance, our armed forces lose competitive advantage," said Ed Zoiss, President of L3Harris Space and Airborne Systems. "It's critical to continue upgrading our platforms to maintain spectrum superiority."

L3Harris has provided electronic warfare technology to the B-52 for more than 50 years. The company has leveraged the electromagnetic spectrum for tactical advantage, understanding threats and protecting against them for 60 years. The IDIQ will extend the B-52's EW relevance and reliability through the end of its lifespan.