By David Bradley, Vice President, Space and Strategy, Leonardo DRS
A next-gen multi-domain defense blueprint powered by space ISR, open architecture, and AI-enabled C2
The New Homeland Defense Threat Environment
The threats facing the United States have never been more complex, more layered, or more time critical. Ballistic missiles, hypersonic glide vehicles, cruise missiles, cyber intrusions, and one way attack drones now move across physical and digital domains with unprecedented fluidity. Increasingly, the most decisive actions begin in space, a domain that is no longer a sanctuary but a frontline of competition. These threats exploit seams in doctrine and technology. They demand an architecture that anticipates, integrates, and evolves faster than the threat itself enabled by next generation technologies that ensure our forces can Own The Edge™.
Space ISR and Resilient Payloads Powering Multi-Domain Protection
A Long Operational Heritage in National Security Space
For more than fifty-five years, Leonardo DRS has built a reputation of technology leadership and innovation across every domain, including space. What began as a two-engineer effort in advanced signal processing has grown into one of the most consequential defense technology companies in the United States. From the earliest days of national space programs, DRS has delivered mission payloads, sensors, components, and enabling technologies that have supported United States civil and military space operations for generations.
GOES Sensors and Persistent, Near Real-Time ISR
Our legacy in space is long, proven, and operational. DRS sensors and payloads aboard the GOES spacecraft have provided near real time weather data for both defense and civil missions for decades, supporting everything from missile warning readiness to disaster response. Today, that heritage accelerates with new capabilities built for a contested space environment.
XCM3 Space: Secure Tactical Data Transport at the Edge
Our recent first on orbit test of the eXtended Crypto Module 3 Space (XCM3), a multichannel software defined radio with integrated advanced cryptography, establishes a new benchmark for secure satellite data transport at the tactical edge.
TRKT3 and SDA Tracking Layer Tranche 3
In parallel, our next generation TRKT3 MW MT Mission Payload for the Space Development Agency (SDA) Tracking Layer Tranche 3 reinforces our role as a critical provider of advanced space-based sensing and missile warning capabilities for the joint force.
Open Architecture as a Force Multiplier: MOSA and SOSA
Across every domain, Leonardo DRS remains committed to open architecture principles. We proudly support the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) and serve as a Principal Member of the SOSA Consortium. This is not compliance for its own sake. MOSA is a strategic philosophy grounded in the recognition that no single company can own every solution the warfighter will ever require. Open standards enable adaptability, rapid modernization, and the ability to insert the best available capability today while preserving the freedom to evolve tomorrow.
Scaling to Golden Dome: Industrial Readiness and AI-Enabled C2
Production, Surge Capacity, and a Nationwide Footprint
That adaptability extends to how we build. Leonardo DRS relies upon a nationwide industrial footprint and more than 7,000 America team members committed to providing our armed forces with overmatch capabilities. We rapidly design, manufacture, and deliver integrated technologies that advance next generation space, air and missile defense capabilities across all domains, from concept through production and sustainment. We continue to expand our facilities and broaden our supplier network to deliver accelerated production and increased surge capacity.
AI-Ready Integration Across Domains, With Space at the Center
Looking forward, the most challenging and important work ahead lies at the intersection of our domains, especially space. The technologies and capabilities of Leonardo DRS, accessible via MDA’s SHIELD[i] , will leverage the deep experience across ground, sea, air, space, and missile defense efforts, with a focus on speed, integration, and scalability. Space based sensing, secure data transport, and resilient architectures are now inseparable from homeland defense. With solutions on nearly every military platform and a large installed base, DRS is positioned to accelerate the transition toward a more autonomous and space-enabled future, one built on advanced sensing and AI-enabled computing systems that reduce the cognitive burden on commanders and enable better, and faster, decision-making.
The Golden Dome vision is urgent and achievable. The threat demands it. Leonardo DRS stands ready to play an important role in providing the advanced technologies and capabilities that will enable our forces to Own The Edge™.
[i] The MDA SHIELD (Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense) is the Missile Defense Agency’s system-of-systems framework for layered homeland missile defense, executed through multiple IDIQ contracts and task orders.
Media Inquiries
Carrie Robinson
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+1 321 266 7691
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