L3Harris lands U.S. Navy order for submarine imaging masts spanning Virginia and Columbia classes

L3Harris Technologies has received a new order from the U.S. Navy to supply imaging masts for both Virginia-class attack submarines and the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, according to a release covered by Defence Industry Europe.

Imaging masts are retractable sensor systems that extend above a submerged submarine’s hull to capture visual and electronic imagery, then retract when not in use. The company says the systems are designed to support two priorities the Navy emphasizes for its undersea fleet: remaining difficult to detect while giving crews a clearer picture of their surroundings.

The dual-class applicability is notable. Virginia-class boats form the backbone of the Navy’s fast-attack force, while the Columbia-class program — the service’s top acquisition priority — is slated to replace the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine fleet in the strategic deterrent role. A common imaging mast across both programs can streamline logistics, training, and maintenance over the long production runs ahead.

For L3Harris Technologies, the award adds to a portfolio spanning space systems, communications, and missile solutions. The company, listed as LHX on the New York Stock Exchange, trades at $252.52, down 1.26% from the prior close of $255.74, with a market capitalization of roughly $48.8 billion. The order falls within the company’s Space & Mission Systems segment, which handles integration of sensing and mission payloads.

Undersea programs tend to generate long-tail revenue for suppliers because submarine construction stretches across decades, with block buys and follow-on production lots creating recurring component demand. Mast and sensor upgrades are also a routine element of availability periods, when boats in service receive refreshed equipment.

The announcement contains no disclosed contract value or delivery timeline, so the near-term financial impact on L3Harris is not yet quantifiable from the public release.

What to watch

• L3Harris’s next quarterly earnings report, which may disclose the order’s value or bookings within the Space & Mission Systems segment.
• Navy budget requests and shipbuilding documents for fiscal-year funding levels for Virginia-class and Columbia-class construction.
• Future production lots or follow-on orders for undersea sensor systems as both submarine programs advance.

Source: original release