Pentagon Picks L3Harris to Develop C2 Prototype for Autonomous Swarms

The Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit has chosen L3Harris to prototype a command-and-control (C2) system that can simultaneously operate multiple autonomous assets.

In particular, the defense contractor is expected to provide a user interface and serve as a systems integrator for the autonomy architecture.

The prototype must also develop a collaborative autonomy capability to enable the US military to coordinate the operation of uncrewed aerial, land, and maritime systems together.

This capability is being tested through the tech’s open architecture system, which can evolve quickly to fit mission requirements.

It also integrates with commercial technologies from venture capital-backed startups and non-traditional technology firms, in line with the Pentagon’s Replicator Initiative, to enhance military posture through autonomous systems. 

“We are delivering a multi-domain and multi-mission autonomous ecosystem that can be trusted to operate in contested environments,” said company VP and general manager of Enterprise Autonomous Solutions Toby Magsig.

Magsig also noted that the firm is focused on the scalability requirements of the US military and allied partners.

“We share a sense of urgency with the Defense Innovation Unit to advance autonomy as a force multiplier,” he said. “As the Trusted Disruptor, L3Harris will leverage our investments and experience to deliver this open, scalable capability to our warfighters.”