Networked for the Fight: Army Aviation’s Next Advantage
By Eric Vanek, Principal, Business Development, L3Harris Technologies, and retired U.S. Army Colonel
Transformation of Army Aviation
Army aviation is currently undergoing a significant transformation that is expected to influence the force for decades to come.
The new platforms entering service are not only faster and more capable but are also increasingly autonomous, aimed at providing the Army with a crucial advantage on the modern battlefield.
To fully leverage Army aviation’s enhanced speed, range, and convergence in support of the Joint Force, existing and new platforms must be capable of collaborative operation across all mission sets. Today’s complex operating environment necessitates real-time, cross-domain connectivity, where no aircraft operates in isolation.
Connectivity as a Combat Multiplier
Link 16 stands out as the established NATO-standard tactical data link that has been connecting U.S. and allied forces across air, land, and sea for decades, now extending its reach to space assets as well. By enabling warfighters to gain direct access to the Link 16 network, targeting timelines can be reduced by nearly 95 percent, significantly lowering the risk of fratricide. Commanders are then able to make faster and more informed decisions.
Read Full Article in ‘Breaking Defense’
Source: L3Harris (2026-07-15)
