Defense contractor L3Harris Technologies has finalized a major $125 million expansion of its Fort Wayne, Indiana, facility. The upgraded site will develop advanced and innovative space tech to help keep the U.S. safe.
L3Harris Expanded Facility
On April 16, 2025, L3Harris held a dedication ceremony for its newly expanded 95,000-square-foot facility, with several Indiana congressional leaders in attendance. The site is now equipped to design, build, and test advanced satellites and missile defense systems for the U.S. military.
According to Ed Zoiss, President of Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris, the expanded facility will be able to produce up to 48 satellite payloads a year. The company already has five satellites in orbit, with another 34 in production, supporting various defense and civil programs—including global weather tracking.
The “Golden Dome”
The main reason behind this expansion is to support the creation of the “Golden Dome”—a space-based defense system made up of satellites and sensors. Previously called the “Iron Dome”, this system’s goal is to detect and help respond to threats like incoming missiles before they reach the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Defense has made this a top priority, and L3Harris is stepping up to deliver the needed technology over the next few years.
Boosting Jobs and the Economy
Beyond national security, the expansion also brings benefits closer to home. It’s expected to create high-tech jobs and give the local economy a significant boost.
Indiana Representative Marlin Stutzman praised the project, calling it an example of how companies can help revive American manufacturing. He said it would bring millions of dollars into the community, and encouraged more businesses to follow L3Harris’ lead.
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