L3Harris, Kuiper Partner on Resilient Satellite Communications Solutions

L3Harris has partnered with Kuiper Government Solutions (KGS) to develop hybrid satellite communications (SATCOM) capabilities for military and government applications.

The collaboration will combine L3Harris’ tactical communication systems and network infrastructure with KGS’ low Earth orbit satellite network to provide secure, low-latency global connectivity.

The integration aims to support resilient, multi-domain operations by enhancing interoperability across SATCOM architectures.

“Our collaboration in satellite communications and defense technology will provide customers with global communications capabilities, higher resiliency and improved security,” said Rick Freeman, President of KGS.

Enhancing Connectivity

In recent years, the US Army has accelerated efforts to improve satellite communications, developing the Scalable Network Node (SNN) program to strengthen SATCOM resiliency.

The SNN integrates line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight capabilities, enabling continued mission command in contested or congested environments.

Supporting this effort, L3Harris delivers resilient communications through fixed-site and transportable SATCOM terminals for US troops.

The company emphasized that diversified infrastructure is key to mitigating operational risks, as relying on a single satellite platform increases exposure to cyber threats and system vulnerabilities.

“Modem modularity – or the capability of a terminal to connect to various waveforms depending on what or where the user finds themselves – is critical in giving troops the access to lines of communications they need to get their jobs done,” explained Ryan McCarty, L3Harris VP of US Department of Defense Product Business Development.

In 2023, L3Harris secured a $60-million contract to provide SATCOM terminals to the US Army, including the Hawkeye III Lite Very Small Aperture Terminal for secure, high-speed data transmission.