When it comes to innovation in global defense, L3Harris Technologies has a long-standing legacy of supporting the U.S. military through critical capabilities in secure communications and integrated mission systems. From interoperable, software-defined radios in combat zones to Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and electronic warfare solutions, its technologies have not only kept pace with joint force and multi-domain operations, but actively shaped them—evolving to meet new mission demands and threat environments.
Its reputation for delivering dependable, battle-tested technology made L3Harris a natural fit to team up with American Rheinmetall in advancing next-generation combat vehicle innovation. Central to L3Harris’ contribution is its third-generation sighting system, the WESCAM MX-GCS B—a multi-sensor, multi-spectral, electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) system built to support surveillance, targeting and reconnaissance missions. Designed in a compact, low-profile form factor, the MX-GCS B enhances identification range while minimizing the vehicle’s visual signature. The stabilized unit supports both the gunner and commander stations and is engineered as a single-part configuration to streamline sustainment and improve field readiness.
L3Harris’ WESCAM MX-GCS B is a multi-sensor, multi-spectral, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) system designed to support surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting missions.
During early collaboration phases, L3Harris provided a test unit of the MX-GCS MK2 to help familiarize American Rheinmetall with its integration and performance characteristics. This model was used to inform trade studies and guide platform design, ensuring optimal fit and function across the full system architecture. The fielded version integrates dual-band infrared sensors and active payloads, giving crews enhanced situational awareness and the ability to identify, mark and engage targets in a range of environments. Combined with spectral diversity and rugged stabilization, these tools also strengthen threat detection and survivability in complex battlefield conditions.
“With one sight system for multiple crew stations, we reduce complexity while delivering superior battlefield awareness,” said Matt Heath, Principal, Business Development at L3Harris and a former U.S. Marine Corps tank operator. “When it comes to stabilization, operators can maintain target lock and image clarity even under harsh vibration and shock.”
In addition to the sighting system, L3Harris processors power mission systems and support autonomous functions. These processors are built with scalability in mind. They enable persistent modernization across vehicle platforms and support AI-driven sensor fusion that reduces cognitive load and improves responsiveness. L3Harris’ communications systems also provide secure, real-time data sharing that offers collaborative targeting and coordination—a capability that not only protects mission-critical information but gives Warfighters a digital edge in fast-changing operational environments.
“Our systems are built to meet current needs and to continue evolving as battlefield demands shift,” said Anthony Sarto, Engineering Fellow for Targeting and Sensor Systems at L3Harris Technologies. “Adaptability is central to what we deliver.”
All L3Harris technologies within American Rheinmetall’s next gen combat vehicle concept is built using a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). Aligned with the Ground Combat Systems Common Infrastructure Architecture (GCIA), a U.S. Army framework that defines how mission systems should be integrated into future ground combat vehicles, L3Harris’ open architecture supports upgrades, capability insertion, and third-party integration across subsystems and sensors. This modularity helps avoid technology lock-in and accelerates adaptation to future mission needs, whether integrating a novel sensor or adjusting to multi-domain threats.
“Open architecture gives us the structure to integrate new capabilities as they emerge,” said Sarto. “That means faster fielding of next-gen tech and a combat system that remains responsive to battlefield changes.”
From the outset, L3Harris has been working closely with American Rheinmetall to conduct trade studies and systems validation, informing platform decisions and ensuring seamless technology integration. By evaluating space, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) considerations early on, L3Harris guarantees smooth integration of its systems into the vehicle architecture. This commitment to early collaboration also includes lifecycle modeling and sustainment planning, which are part of the process from the beginning to maintain readiness and performance over time. The company supports this effort through 14 authorized maintenance and logistics centers worldwide. These facilities provide diagnostics, training and rapid-response support operations in strategically located areas, so service is close to where it’s needed most.
“We think about sustainment from day one,” Heath said. “We deliver products built for the mission, with the support infrastructure to ensure they perform wherever they’re deployed.”
A unique feature of L3Harris is its large veteran talent base, which brings firsthand knowledge of battlefield conditions to inform everything from product design to sustainment planning. Their experience helps translate operational requirements into practical capabilities that keep Warfighters protected, connected and mission ready. “We build with purpose,” Heath added. “Every decision reflects our focus on the mission, because we know what’s at stake. It’s the people behind the systems who ensure reliability, because they’ve experienced the realities of battlefield demands and they’re committed to delivering what today’s Warfighters need.”
As the character of modern warfare shifts, so must the technologies that support the mission. L3Harris and American Rheinmetall understand this imperative. With a shared focus on digital engineering, battlefield survivability and long-term adaptability, they’re advancing a next-generation combat vehicle designed to keep the Warfighter ready, now and into the future. “As threats change, so does the battlefield,” said Heath. “We’re making sure the next generation of combat vehicles gives our Warfighters every advantage, because their edge is our mission.”