US-based L3Harris Technologies and Italian electromagnetic spectrum specialist ELT Group announced on 24 July 2025 that they have partnered to establish a multi-sensor test facility in Italy for commercial, military and government programmes.
The collaboration, in which the two countries will work together to create a centre of excellence for the Italian military and allied nations, marks the first time an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) test and calibration facility of this type will be available outside of the United States.
The new facility will support the Italian Air Force’s Gulfstream G550-based fleets of Joint Airborne Multi-Mission, Multi-Sensor System (JAMMS) and electronic attack aircraft along with other air, surface and maritime platforms.
L3Harris is currently modifying two G550s into ISR aircraft under the JAMMS programme following an initial contract in March 2022, while on 21 July 2025 L3Harris announced it had received a contract to deliver two G550s provisioned as Compass Call airborne electronic attack (EA) platforms for the Italian Air Force.
“L3Harris’ industry partnerships deliver long-term benefits that support Italian businesses, while also maximising mission readiness for military units,” Jon Rambeau, president of Integrated Mission Systems at L3Harris, was quoted as saying in a joint press release. “This new sensor test facility further strengthens Italy’s defence infrastructure.”
ELT Group CEO and COO Domitilla Benigni added, “ELT Group is pleased to be selected as a partner company for this important programme, bringing forward more than 70 years of expertise supporting allies in ISR, multi-mission and electronic attack operational support. This co-operation marks the first step in developing next-generation capabilities in the Italian test and operational range environment.”
