L3Harris Technologies has secured a new order to upgrade the US Marine Corps’ satellite communications terminals, an effort aimed at improving connectivity for expeditionary forces. The upgrade will enhance data throughput and enable access to multiple satellite orbits, reinforcing the Marine Corps’ broader Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) modernization goals.
The order includes enhancements for the Panther 2 man-portable terminals and new Ku-band transceivers that increase power output to 25 watts. The Panther 2 system is a tri-band, backpack-portable SATCOM terminal designed to be deployed by a single Marine in under ten minutes. Its modular architecture allows users to quickly switch frequency bands or replace the antenna based on mission requirements, ensuring maximum flexibility in the field.
Supporting both military and commercial satellite networks, Panther 2 features a passively cooled modem that operates without a fan, reducing noise and maintenance needs. Operators can control the system using a web-based interface or built-in front-panel display, while optional power modules provide backup power and battery recharging. Depending on configuration, the system fits into a single transport case and weighs between 63 and 74 pounds, with the lightest version under 34 pounds.
The upgrades fall under the Marine Corps Wideband Satellite – Expeditionary (MCWS-X) program, which L3Harris has supported since 2020. MCWS-X is a man-portable, multiband satellite communications solution engineered to deliver resilient, high-capacity voice, data, and video connectivity to small, dispersed units. The program advances the Marine Corps’ shift toward agile, highly networked expeditionary forces capable of operating in contested environments.
