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L3Harris Completes Preliminary Design Review for SDA Tranche 3 Missile Tracking Satellites

MELBOURNE, Fla., Sept. 24, 2026 — L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has successfully completed the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tracking Layer Tranche 3 (TRKT3) program. The milestone marks an important step toward delivering next-generation, space-based missile defense capabilities for the United States.

The PDR confirms the baseline designs for L3Harris’ TRKT3 mission solution, which provides ground, networking, satellite, communications and infrared payloads. The integrated system will deliver infrared sensing, advanced on-orbit data processing and accurate real-time threat detection algorithms. 

“Beginning with Tranche 0, L3Harris’ disciplined spiral development approach has improved missile warning, tracking and defense capabilities required to address modern threats,” said Jeff Hanke, President, Space Systems, Space & Mission Systems, L3Harris. “That institutional knowledge is what drives speed and precision on programs and underscores why L3Harris is a trusted industry partner across SDA’s Tracking Layer mission.” 

Once on orbit, the TRKT3 satellites will deliver near-continuous global missile warning and tracking. They will operate as part of the SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, a component of the nation’s layered missile defense strategy.

L3Harris received an SDA contract in December 2025 to design and build 18 space vehicles for the T3 Tracking Layer. L3Harris has more than 70 missile tracking and defense satellites on order in support of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.  

About L3Harris Technologies

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security. Visit L3Harris.com for more information.

Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements about system capabilities are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. L3Harris disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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Media Contacts

Elizabeth Neilson

Space and Mission Systems
C: 206-384-3349

Sara Banda

Corporate Public Relations
C: 321-306-8927

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