US Navy’s 10,000-ton and 20,000-ton submarine programs to get advanced battery monitoring systems

A Florida-based company is set to deliver advanced battery monitoring systems for the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet. The step will reinforce L3Harris’ growing role in supporting America’s undersea warfare capabilities. The company revealed that the systems will be installed aboard both Virginia-class fast attack submarines and Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, providing real-time assessments of battery health and operational performance. Designed to track performance of submarine batteries The battery monitoring systems are designed to continuously track the condition and performance of submarine batteries, enabling crews to identify potential issues before they become critical. By providing real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance data, the technology is expected to improve mission readiness, reduce maintenance downtime and enhance overall platform reliability during extended underwater operations.According to L3Harris, the monitoring solution allows submarine commanders to optimize mission planning by delivering accurate information on battery status throughout deployment. Reliable battery performance is particularly important for modern submarines, where uninterrupted operation of onboard systems is essential for stealth, survivability and combat effectiveness. These systems directly impact operational capability “These systems directly impact operational capability and crew safety,” said Nino DiCosmo, President, Maritime, Space & Mission Systems, L3Harris. “This contract reflects our commitment to delivering reliable solutions that support two of the service’s highest-priority submarine platforms that serve as the backbone of America’s strategic deterrence.”The latest contract adds to a series of recent submarine-related awards received by L3Harris. Earlier this year, the company secured a major production contract to provide advanced communications systems for Virginia- and Columbia-class submarines, while also expanding its portfolio with autonomous underwater vehicle launch and recovery systems and continued production of advanced towed array sonar technologies. These programmes underline L3Harris’ broad contribution to U.S. naval modernisation efforts.The Virginia-class submarines serve as the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s attack submarine force, conducting intelligence gathering, anti-submarine warfare and precision strike missions. The larger Columbia-class submarines, currently under construction, will replace the ageing Ohio-class fleet and form the sea-based leg of the United States’ nuclear deterrent for decades to come. As these platforms become increasingly sophisticated, advanced health monitoring technologies are expected to play a vital role in ensuring operational availability and reducing lifecycle costs. L3Harris’ longstanding partnership with the U.S. Navy submarine force spans multiple generations of platforms, from Ohio- and Los Angeles-class submarines to today’s advanced Virginia-class fast-attack submarines. The company’s maritime expertise and proven performance position it as a key contributor to the Columbia-class program, the Navy’s next-generation ballistic missile submarine, according to a press release. With this latest contract, L3Harris continues to strengthen its position as a key supplier of mission-critical technologies for the U.S. Navy’s submarine enterprise. The company’s portfolio spans secure communications, electronic warfare, acoustic sensors, power systems and battery monitoring solutions that collectively enhance the survivability and operational effectiveness of next-generation submarines operating in contested maritime environments.Recommended ArticlesGet the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Prabhat, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, is a tech and defense journalist. While he enjoys writing on modern weapons and emerging tech, he has also reported on global politics and business. He has been previously associated with well-known media houses, including the International Business Times (Singapore Edition) and ANI.