Maintaining America’s Undersea Edge: L3Harris Secures Towed Array Production Through 2029
As the competition among peer nations intensifies with the expansion of submarine fleets, maintaining undersea superiority for the U.S. and its allies is imperative. In a move to bolster advanced acoustic detection capabilities, L3Harris has secured contracts from the Naval Sea Systems Command for the production of TB-29C and TB-34A towed array systems. This ensures that U.S. Navy submarine commanders will continue to possess the extended detection range and situational awareness vital for countering emerging threats.
Extending the Submarine’s Reach
These sophisticated passive sonar systems are designed to enhance the detection capabilities of submarine commanders, underlining the importance of acoustic superiority in mission success.
“The awards reflect the Navy’s confidence in L3Harris’ ability to deliver the critical undersea systems that protect our sailors and maintain America’s undersea advantage,” commented Nino DiCosmo, President of Maritime at L3Harris. “Our sustained investment in specialized facilities and skilled workforce ensures that the submarine fleet has the capabilities necessary to confront evolving threats.”
Protecting the Industrial Base
The recent contract awards guarantee the continuity of towed array production capabilities through the end of the decade, safeguarding essential industrial base capacities that are not easily reestablished. A robust and stable supply chain ensures that warfighters receive reliable, mission-critical systems promptly—eliminating any delays or capability gaps that could undermine operational effectiveness. This commitment is crucial for maintaining fleet operational readiness and facilitating the timely replacement of arrays as they near the end of their service life.
Delivering Mission-Ready Systems
L3Harris’ manufacturing infrastructure allows for comprehensive end-to-end array fabrication, encompassing precision hydrophone assembly to final system integration and testing. Each towed array undergoes stringent quality assurance and environmental assessments prior to delivery, ensuring that all systems fulfill the demanding operational requirements of the submarine force. This disciplined methodology, honed over decades of towed array production, guarantees the timely delivery of mission-ready systems when they are needed most.
A Strategic National Asset with Capacity to Scale
The position of L3Harris as a premier provider stems from its proprietary manufacturing processes and technical expertise cultivated over many years. The company’s established record in intricate undersea systems, paired with its proven ability to enhance operational scale, positions it to support the modernization efforts of the Navy’s Columbia- and Virginia-class submarines.
Through its established supply chain partnerships, workforce development programs, and manufacturing capabilities, L3Harris offers the agility necessary to meet the changing demands of the fleet while upholding rigorous standards. In today’s landscape where industrial capacity is vital as technological capability, L3Harris is prepared to fulfill the U.S. Navy’s increasing requirements and sustain America’s undersea advantage for the foreseeable future.
Source: L3Harris (2026-04-16)
