Harris lands $75 million Marine Corps order

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Harris Corp. has been awarded a $75 million order from the U.S. Marine Corps for upgrades to its Falcon III manpack radios, manufactured in Rochester. The contract follows U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer‘s push for increased funding in the 2019 Defense Appropriations Bill.

The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) narrowband satellite communication upgrades to the Falcon III AN/PRC-117G manpack radios will help extend the life of the Marine Corps’ existing radios by upgrading and modernizing the radio’s software.

“The addition of MUOS SATCOM capabilities in Harris’ easily upgradeable software defined radios provides the Marines with more advanced capability to stay connected and execute their mission. This technology would not have been possible without a significant investment by our company, the commitment of the Marines, and the ongoing support of Sen. Schumer,” said Harris Chairman, President and CEO William Brown in a statement.

The PRC-117G is a large manpack sized radio that typically is integrated into military vehicles. It provides wideband services and has been used in the past by the U.S. Marine Corps, Air Force, and Army. The MUOS upgrades to the PRC-117G radios will serve numerous benefits including meeting the Marines’ increasing demand for more capable satellite communications, enhanced voice and data communication, and giving the Marine Corps an affordable option to improve and extend the life of their existing radios.

“This well-earned order for Harris Corp. to upgrade the Marine Corps’ radios will boost the Rochester-Finger Lakes economy, in addition to ensuring that our Marines have the most modern and effective radios possible. Harris has proven countless times over that it produces superior technology for the U.S. military, and this order further confirms it,” Schumer said. “I was proud to secure funding for MUOS upgrades in the 2019 Defense Appropriations bill to give Harris a chance to compete for this order, and will always fight for investments that both protect our troops and provide a shot in the arm to the Rochester-Finger Lakes economy.”

Harris employs some 3,500 people in Rochester between its Communication Systems and Space and Intelligence Systems divisions. Harris in November announced plans to add nearly 200 jobs and spend $90 million here for research and development.

Company stock (NYSE: HRS) was trading up slightly midday Friday at $135.54.

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