MAG Aerospace and teaming partner L3Harris Technologies will deliver two enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to support the Army’s Theater-Level, High-Altitude Expeditionary Next Airborne ISR-Radar program, known as ATHENA-R.
Integrated on Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, the system will help the Army meet global intelligence requirements. Operating at high altitude will provide the aircraft greater survivability and line-of-sight, essential to help the Army achieve its long-range precision fires modernization priorities, the company said.
MAG Aerospace is currently the prime contractor on the Army’s Sensor Technology Operations and Readiness contract.
“MAG is honored to support the Army’s ATHENA-R Program. Current geopolitical circumstances dictate a need for an adaptable and resolute ISR solution that can adequately address near-peer threats and future contested environments, and we are prepared to execute,” said MAG Aerospace CEO Joseph Reale.
“MAG has an exceptional performance history of delivering and managing extensive turnkey aerial C5ISR programs in the most austere and challenging operational environments worldwide. This award is validation of the relentless work our employees execute everyday alongside our customers.”
Designed to close the gap between the Army’s medium and high-altitude ISR aircraft fleet, the ATHENA-R program will provide greater endurance, more payload capacity, longer standoff ranges and leading-edge sensor technology in support of U.S. combatant commands.
“We have a great track record of working with the Army,” said Jon Rambeau, president of integrated mission systems at L3Harris. “Our team understands the urgency of fielding these long-range, deep-sensing capabilities to support the Army’s mission needs and is positioned to deliver.”
L3Harris won a contract in September 2022 to develop Phase 2 of the Army’s Multi-Domain Sensing System program, and currently supports the Airborne Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare aircraft.