L3Harris to Deliver Assured Communications for U.S. Air Force E-4C SAOC Aircraft

Strengthening Airborne Command-and-Control Communications
L3Harris Technologies has been selected to provide assured communications capabilities for the U.S. Air Force’s E-4C aircraft as part of the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) program. The work supports the modernization of airborne command-and-control platforms designed to operate under the most demanding and contested conditions.

The five-year engineering and manufacturing development effort is being delivered as part of an SNC-led team, with L3Harris contracted through Collins Aerospace, an RTX business. The program focuses on integrating resilient, secure communications systems that enable continuous connectivity across air, ground, and space domains.

Upgraded Communications for Strategic Missions
The E-4C fleet is intended to replace the legacy E-4B aircraft, which have long served as airborne command posts for national leadership. L3Harris brings more than 15 years of experience supporting the E-4B platform, providing continuity while introducing upgraded wideband and assured communications technologies.

Under the SAOC program, L3Harris will support communication-suite integration activities, applying open-system architectures and resilient waveform technologies. These capabilities are designed to enable software-driven upgrades over the aircraft’s lifecycle, supporting adaptability to evolving mission requirements and threat environments.

Resilience, Interoperability, and Longevity
The communications systems are intended to ensure survivable connectivity during critical command-and-control operations. Open-system design principles allow for modular upgrades and interoperability, helping to extend platform longevity while reducing integration risk for future enhancements.

According to L3Harris, the approach supports seamless technology insertion while maintaining secure and reliable communications for strategic airborne operations.

Expanded Role in Airborne and Electronic Warfare Programs
The SAOC contract builds on L3Harris’ broader portfolio of defense communications and electronic warfare programs. The company currently supports multiple U.S. Department of Defense initiatives, including airborne communications, battle management, and electronic attack systems across several fixed-wing platforms.

Through its role in the SAOC program, L3Harris continues to expand its presence in resilient airborne communications, supporting mission-critical operations that require assured connectivity under extreme operational conditions.

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