Leonardo DRS announced that its XCM3‑Space platform successfully completed the first on‑orbit test of a multi‑channel software‑defined radio (SDR) with integrated advanced cryptography aboard a Proteus Mercury satellite in low‑Earth orbit. The test, conducted in late November 2025, validated the company’s next‑generation secure data‑transport capability for tactical edge operations.
The XCM3‑Space system couples a multi‑channel SDR with a proprietary eXtended Crypto Module, enabling simultaneous secure communication across multiple frequencies and networks. The platform was flown on the Proteus Mercury satellite, demonstrating real‑world performance in the space environment and confirming the design’s resilience to the electromagnetic and cyber threats that confront modern satellite links.
By proving the technology in orbit, Leonardo DRS positions itself as a key supplier for U.S. defense programs such as the Space Force, Space Development Agency, and Missile Defense Agency’s Golden Dome initiative. The capability opens new revenue streams for the company and strengthens its competitive position in the rapidly expanding low‑Earth‑orbit communications market, where secure, flexible data transport is a critical enabler for missile‑defense and intelligence operations.
Senior Vice President and General Manager of Leonardo DRS Airborne and Intelligence Systems Larry Ezell said the test “demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver cutting‑edge, mission‑critical technology that meets the evolving cyber and electronic warfare requirements of U.S. defense customers.” The XCM3‑Space platform was developed in less than twelve months, underscoring DRS’s agile engineering and rapid‑deployment capabilities.
Leonardo DRS’s recent financial performance supports its continued investment in advanced technologies. In Q3 2025 the company reported revenue of $960 million, up 18% YoY, and net earnings of $72 million, a 26% increase. The strong financial footing provides the resources to pursue further development and commercialization of the XCM3‑Space system and other high‑margin defense solutions.
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