L3Harris Secures Key Navy Contract to Develop Red Wolf Precision-Strike System for Marine Corps
L3Harris Lands Major Navy Deal for Marine Corps' Precision-Strike Program
WASHINGTON – In a move to bolster the U.S. Marine Corps' long-range strike capabilities, defense contractor L3Harris Technologies announced on Friday it has secured a U.S. Navy contract to develop and deliver its Red Wolf precision-strike missile system. The award signals a continued push to equip frontline forces with advanced, cost-effective munitions amid shifting defense priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Red Wolf system is described as a long-range, precision-guided missile capable of engaging moving maritime targets—such as ships—at distances exceeding 200 nautical miles. Its development is part of the Marine Corps' broader effort to enhance stand-off firepower and support distributed operations in contested environments.
"Our Red Wolf system delivers affordable mass and precision to the Marines' arsenal, aligning with the urgent timeline set by U.S. leadership to maintain the world's most lethal fighting force," said L3Harris CEO Christopher Kubasik in a statement.
The contract follows the company's unveiling last July of two new missile systems—Red Wolf and Green Wolf—aimed at providing lower-cost strike options. The push comes as the Pentagon works to replenish weapons stockpiles and strengthen deterrence postures, particularly toward China's expanding naval presence in the Pacific.
The announcement arrives shortly after L3Harris reported fourth-quarter revenue that fell short of Wall Street estimates, underscoring the strategic importance of securing major defense contracts for the firm's portfolio.
Reactions & Analysis
"This contract is a logical step in modernizing the Marine Corps' strike capacity. Red Wolf fills a gap in affordable, long-range precision fires that's been evident since the shift to great-power competition." – David Chen, Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic Defense Studies.
"Another massive payout to a defense giant while our own stockpiles are depleted. Will this system actually be delivered on time and on budget, or will it be another case of overpromise and underdeliver?" – Rebecca Vance, Security Analyst & former Marine Corps logistics officer.
"The focus on cost-effective missiles like Red Wolf is smart procurement. It allows for higher-volume purchases and sustained training, which is critical for readiness in the Pacific." – Mark Torres, Defense Industry Consultant.
"Integrating new systems like this into the Marine Corps' expeditionary model will require careful testing and training, but it significantly enhances their ability to hold adversary vessels at risk." – Dr. Aliyah Moss, Professor of Modern Warfare Studies, Georgetown University.