L3Harris said aging large-platform airborne warning aircraft are becoming increasingly expensive to maintain and are offering limited availability. The company said allies are increasingly seeking more agile and interoperable alternatives that can be deployed more quickly.
The AERIS X platform is based on a missionized business jet design. L3Harris said the aircraft offers lower lifecycle costs, faster modification timelines and broader operational flexibility than traditional large military platforms.
The company said its radar system has been tested in combat environments. According to L3Harris, the system has been used to defend against hundreds of drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.
L3Harris said the platform’s Active Electronically Scanned Array radar provides 360-degree coverage. The company added that the system offers more than 30% greater detection range and resistance to electronic jamming.
Craig O’Donnell, International Business Development Director for ISR at L3Harris, said: “The operational lessons from current conflicts are unambiguous.” He added: “Seeing everything and seeing it earlier aren’t nice-to-have features anymore – they’re requirements when defending your homeland.”
The company said it has delivered 106 missionized business jets globally. Those aircraft have achieved availability rates of more than 90% across multiple allied nations, according to L3Harris.
The company said recent international selections reflect changing procurement priorities among allied governments. It cited South Korea’s selection of the platform over competing systems and said a NATO country had also chosen L3Harris as an ISR provider.
L3Harris said the aircraft is designed to support fifth- and sixth-generation fighter operations. The company said the platform can integrate with aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II and future collaborative combat aircraft.
George “Riebs” Riebling, International Business Development for ISR at L3Harris, said: “Allies are prioritizing platforms that can integrate new sensors and capabilities without extensive aircraft modifications.” He added: “That’s the definition of future-proofing.”
The company said it is also offering technology transfer, local sustainment and industrial participation options to partner nations. L3Harris said the approach is intended to help allies maintain long-term operational independence.
The company said AERIS X is designed to support a wide range of operational environments, including NATO air defense missions, Indo-Pacific maritime surveillance and Arctic security operations. L3Harris said the platform is available now as governments accelerate procurement decisions.
