Back to top

Image: Bigstock

L3Harris Secures VAMPIRE Order to Strengthen Counter-Drone Defense

Read MoreHide Full Article

Key Takeaways

  • L3Harris won a U.S. Army contract up to $106M to deliver VAMPIRE counter-unmanned systems.
  • L3Harris says VAMPIRE is a compact ISR and counter-UAS weapon that can deploy on many platforms.
  • Market Research Future projects a 24.72% CAGR for counter-UAS from 2025-2035 as drone use rises.

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (LHX - Free Report) recently secured a U.S. Army contract worth up to $106 million to deliver its VAMPIRE counter-unmanned systems (c-UxS), reinforcing its role in addressing the growing threat posed by hostile drones. The order supports the United States’ layered c-UxS defense strategy and highlights rising demand for affordable, rapidly deployable drone defense capabilities.

LHX’s Leadership in Counter-Unmanned Systems

L3Harris has leveraged decades of expertise to develop affordable, reliable and best-in-class solutions that swiftly counter the growing global threat posed by unmanned systems. The company has launched a new Counter-Unmanned Systems initiative, using its wide-ranging capabilities to tackle unmanned threats across air, land and sea domains.

L3Harris has already developed and proven counter-unmanned systems, including VAMPIRE, CORVUS-RAVEN, Nimble Finch and Drone Guardian.

The company’s VAMPIRE is an affordable, compact Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance and counter-unmanned weapons system engineered to deploy on nearly any platform, vehicle or vessel. This all-in-one system excels in Counter-small Unmanned Airborne System operations, providing precision strike capabilities against drones and remotely piloted aircraft with configurable sensors and weapons.

Such expertise may have attracted the interest of nations looking to incorporate L3Harris’ counter-unmanned systems into their defense arsenals.

Growth Potential

According to a report by Market Research Future, the rising use of drones across military, commercial and recreational applications is driving the need for counter-unmanned aerial systems capable of detecting, tracking and neutralizing unauthorized drones. Per the same report, the market is projected to witness a CAGR of 24.72% between 2025 and 2035.

Such growth prospects are favorable for LHX, which is a trusted developer of counter-unmanned aerial systems. Other defense companies poised to benefit from the expanding counter-unmanned aerial systems market are discussed below:

RTX Corporation (RTX - Free Report) : The company’s Coyote counter-unmanned aircraft system is capable of neutralizing both single-drone threats and swarms, with shortened engagement timelines to address multiple targets. Its kinetic and non-kinetic variants can counter small to large unmanned aircraft systems at extended ranges and higher altitudes.

RTX boasts a long-term (three to five years) earnings growth rate of 10.2%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 sales stands at $93.68 billion, which calls for an increase of 5.7%.

The Boeing Company (BA - Free Report) : The company’s Compact Laser Weapon System is a modular, high-energy laser platform that delivers proven air defense capabilities against unmanned aircraft systems. Its flexible design allows transport and operation by a single warfighter and can be configured for mobile deployment on various combat vehicles, offering exceptional adaptability to maintain readiness in any environment.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BA’s 2026 loss is pegged at 15 cents, which suggests an improvement. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 sales is pegged at $96.70 billion, which suggests an increase of 8.1%.

BAE Systems plc (BAESY - Free Report) : The company’s TRIDON Mk2 is a high-precision, cost-effective anti-aircraft system that is simple to deploy and maintain. It can engage threats ranging from drones and cruise missiles to aircraft and armored vehicles, providing security and protection for both military forces and civilian infrastructure.

BAESY boasts a long-term earnings growth rate of 15%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 sales stands at $44.65 billion, which calls for an increase of 56.8%.

LHX Stock Price Movement

In the past year, shares of L3Harris have risen 21% against the industry’s decline of 0.3%.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

LHX’s Zacks Rank

L3Harris currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Zacks' 7 Best Strong Buy Stocks (New Research Report)

Valued at $99, click below to receive our just-released report predicting the 7 stocks that will soar highest in the coming month.

Click Here, It's Really Free

Published in