L3Harris Technologies [LHX] said it has been awarded a contract by Eastern Shipbuilding Group

to provide the integrated communications systems for the Coast Guard’s first four medium-endurance Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPCs).

The value of the award was not disclosed.

L3Harris currently supplies the C4ISR suite for the Coast Guard’s shorter-range Fast Response Cutters and the integrated communications for the high-endurance National Security Cutters.

The award for the OPC includes the design, development and production of the first two ship systems with options for up to two more. Eastern Shipbuilding is building the first four OPCs for the Coast Guard, which has reopened the competition to build additional vessels. The service ultimately plans to acquire 25 OPCs, one of its highest acquisition priorities.

L3Harris said it integrates its MarCom voice communications system, K2 tactical terminal, and Symphony communications manager products for the Coast Guard requirement. It said the system is also designed to support the Defense Department’s cyber risk management framework requirements, which it added provides Eastern Shipbuilding and the Coast Guard with a lower-risk solution.

The integrated communications system will allow the OPCs to work with DoD and other agency partners and interoperate with other Coast Guard cutters.

L3Harris said that every Coast Guard cutter equipped with its command and control systems can deploy independently or as part of a larger group and serve as a mobile command and control platform in surge operations.