A Melbourne-based company is set to provide combat-proven Mechanical Proximity Fuzes to the U.S. Navy . Developed by L3Harris Technologies, these fuzes deliver precise, affordable defense by upgrading launch platforms to counter emerging unmanned aerial threats.
The company has received a contract valued up to $98 million to deliver the Department of War’s combat-proven Mechanical Proximity Fuze for upgrades to the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System.
Cost-effective capabilities to counter fast-moving threats
“With the U.S. military prioritizing proven, cost-effective capabilities to counter fast-moving threats, L3Harris’ Mechanical Proximity Fuze has emerged as the trusted solution of choice,” said Scott Alexander, President, Missile Propulsion, Missile Solutions, L3Harris.
“This award reflects our capability to respond with speed and reliability as we expand production capacity and strengthen industrial resilience to support critical missions.”
The company revealed that the fuze upgrades launch platforms into low-cost, effective counter-unmanned aerial system weapons to enhance reliable detonation at the optimal impact.
Precision, adaptability and affordability
L3Harris revealed that it designed and manufactured the Mechanical Proximity Fuze to deliver the precision, adaptability and affordability needed to counter emerging unmanned aerial threats in a variety of environments.
The firm-fixed-price contract includes options which would bring the cumulative value to $98 million. The Mechanical Proximity Fuze is also referred to as the Fixed Wing, Air Launched, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ordnance (FALCO) Proximity Fuze, according to a press release.
The company also revealed that the increased demand for FALCO Proximity Fuzes is driving L3Harris to increase proximity fuze production sevenfold. Investments in tooling, modernized inspection equipment and supplier expansion are expected to enable a twentyfold increase in capacity, supporting current U.S. military needs and anticipated future demand.
It’s being claimed that the Mechanical Proximity Fuze (MPF) primarily enhances the effectiveness of the 70 mm Hydra rocket and the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) against unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Reports suggest that the fuze, also referred to as the FALCO (Fixed Wing, Air Launched, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ordnance) Proximity Fuze, enables a rocket to detonate when it passes near a target rather than requiring a direct impact.
This significantly increases the probability of destroying small drones, which can be difficult to hit directly due to their size and maneuverability. The system is designed to provide a low-cost, scalable counter-drone capability and can be integrated with platforms such as L3Harris’ VAMPIRE counter-UAS system.
Reports have revealed that the Mechanical Proximity Fuze is noteworthy due to its emphasis on affordability, simplicity, and mass production. Unlike many modern proximity fuzes that rely on radar, laser, infrared, or other sophisticated electronic sensors, L3Harris specifically describes this product as a mechanical proximity fuze.
The company has highlighted its combat-proven status and suitability for large-scale deployment, suggesting that the design may offer advantages in terms of cost, reliability, and resistance to electronic warfare or electromagnetic interference. However, L3Harris has not publicly disclosed detailed technical information about the fuze’s internal operation.