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L3Harris Technologies has introduced the XL-300P, the industry’s first P25 land mobile radio (LMR) handheld device to integrate native 5G connectivity and satellite direct-to-device (D2D) communications. Designed for public safety, defense, and emergency response agencies, the new radio provides three independent communication paths—P25 LMR, cellular broadband, and satellite connectivity—within a single rugged handheld device.
The XL-300P represents a major advancement in mission-critical communications, enabling responders to maintain voice and data connectivity even in remote locations, disaster zones, or areas without terrestrial network coverage.
The XL-300P is designed to meet emerging Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) requirements and supports 3GPP Release 17 Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) capabilities, allowing satellite direct-to-device messaging and emergency alerts.
The device will initially support T‑Satellite, a satellite service offered by T‑Mobile and powered by the Starlink satellite constellation. It is also hardware-ready for integration with the future network from AST SpaceMobile once commercial services become widely available.
This multi-path communication architecture ensures mission-critical communications remain operational even in deep coverage gaps or during major disasters when terrestrial infrastructure may fail.
“We’ve packed a lot into this device—it’s the pinnacle of what we’ve been designing in the XL series,” said James Potter during the product unveiling. “It has a new board, a new LTE/5G modem, and the first land mobile radio implementation of 5G. When satellite D2D is ready to go, we’re ready.”
The launch follows a major restructuring within L3Harris Technologies in January 2026, consolidating tactical radio and electronic warfare capabilities into the Communications & Spectrum Dominance (CSD) business unit led by Jon Rambeau.
The XL-300P builds on the ruggedized design lineage of the XL-Extreme 400P radio platform and incorporates advanced materials originally engineered for aerospace applications. It also expands on previous satellite integration initiatives, such as the Iridium DTCS mission module used with the AN/PRC-163 tactical radio.
Unlike earlier external modules, the XL-300P integrates satellite connectivity directly into the internal architecture of a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) handheld device, simplifying deployment while improving reliability.
The XL-300P is designed to meet stringent federal and public safety requirements, delivering a highly secure and interoperable communication platform.
Key features include:
Multi-Band P25 Interoperability
Supports VHF, UHF, and 700/800 MHz bands for seamless interoperability across diverse LMR networks.
5G and LTE Broadband Integration
Integrated cellular broadband connectivity with **FirstNet priority and preemption capabilities for public safety users.
Enhanced Cybersecurity
Compliance with **FIPS 140‑3 Level 3 security standards, enabling multi-key encryption for secure voice, data, and location services.
User-Focused Interface
Voice-activated radio controls, glove-friendly keypad design, and high-visibility color displays optimized for field operations.
L3Harris Technologies confirmed that orders for the XL-300P are now open, with shipments expected to begin in July 2026. The company is also developing a vehicular version of the 5G-satellite hybrid radio to support tactical operations requiring extended range and resilience.
Looking ahead, the XL-300P is expected to play a role in emerging defense communications architectures, including integrated command networks aligned with Joint All‑Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiatives. As next-generation satellite and low-Earth-orbit networks expand through the decade, hybrid LMR-cellular-satellite devices are expected to become critical communication interfaces for both public safety and military operations.
