Australian Defence Force Chooses L3Harris Robots to Combat IED Menace

L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has been recognized as the victorious bidder for a $30 million contract with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to supply up to 80 robotic explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) systems to protect ADF personnel.

L3Harris will commence the distribution of a range of medium-sized T4 and large-sized T7 robots in late 2023. These advanced robotic systems are designed under the Land-154 program, which aims to bolster EOD unit functionalities in neutralizing and exploiting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) as well as ensuring route clearance.

“We’re privileged that the Australian Defence Force has placed its confidence in us to assist in protecting its personnel,” remarked Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris. “The reliability of our systems for EOD functionalities is increasing globally, with deployments by the U.K., U.S., and now Australia. Following the award of this ADF contract, we aim to establish a local service center in Australia that will function as a repair facility for all robots across the Asia-Pacific region.”

There have been two prior agreements leading to the current contract with the ADF. The U.K. Ministry of Defence modernized its outdated fleet of robots with 122 T7s for Project STARTER, deploying L3Harris robots in the U.K., Cyprus, and Gibraltar. Since June 2021, the U.S. Air Force has procured over 100 T7s to enhance global EOD operations. The ADF is the pioneer in adopting both T7s and T4s.