Defence

L3Harris joins MAG Aerospace to deliver two ISR aircraft for the U.S. Army

L3Harris joins MAG Aerospace to deliver two ISR aircraft for the U.S. Army.
The ATHENA-R program aims to bridge the gap between the Army's medium and high-altitude ISR aircraft fleet.

The L3Harris and MAG Aerospace ISR capabilities will be integrated onto Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, aiding the U.S. Army in fulfilling its global intelligence requirements.

L3Harris has announced that The U.S. Army has awarded a contract to prime contractor MAG Aerospace, in partnership with L3Harris Technologies, to deliver two advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft as part of the Army’s Theater-Level, High-Altitude Expeditionary Next Airborne ISR-Radar program, known as ATHENA-R. These enhanced ISR capabilities will be integrated onto Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, aiding the Army in fulfilling its global intelligence requirements. The aircraft’s high-altitude operation will contribute to its survivability and line-of-sight capabilities, both crucial factors in supporting the Army’s efforts toward modernizing long-range precision fires.

MAG Aerospace currently holds the position of prime contractor for the Army’s Sensor Technology Operations and Readiness (STORM) contract, reflecting the company’s integral involvement in critical capabilities that contribute to global safety and security.

Joseph Reale, CEO, MAG Aerospace said, “MAG is honored to support the Army’s ATHENA-R Program. Current geopolitical circumstances dictate a need for an adaptable and resolute ISR solution that can adequately address near-peer threats and future contested environments, and we are prepared to execute. “MAG has an exceptional performance history of delivering and managing extensive turnkey aerial C5ISR programs in the most austere and challenging operational environments worldwide. This award is validation of the relentless work our employees execute every day alongside our customers.”

The ATHENA-R program aims to bridge the gap between the Army’s medium and high-altitude ISR aircraft fleet. This initiative will provide extended endurance, increased payload capacity, longer standoff ranges, and cutting-edge sensor technology, bolstering support for U.S. combatant commands.

L3Harris Technologies has a robust history of supporting the U.S. Army’s ISR initiatives, including a contract to develop Phase 2 of the Army’s Multi-Domain Sensing System program awarded in September 2022. The company also contributes to the Airborne Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare aircraft mission, known as ARES.

Jon Rambeau, President of Integrated Mission Systems, L3Harris said, “We have a great track record of working with the Army. Our team understands the urgency of fielding these long-range, deep-sensing capabilities to support the Army’s mission needs and is positioned to deliver.”

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The awarding of this contract underscores the collaboration and dedication of MAG Aerospace and L3Harris Technologies in providing advanced ISR solutions that align with the Army’s strategic goals. These efforts serve to enhance the Army’s operational capabilities, ensuring readiness and effectiveness in addressing emerging security challenges.