FOLLOW US

The defense firm named Sam Mehta as its new chief, kept its 2026 outlook, and gave few details about the case.

By Milosh Potikj | USA Herald

Inside This Report

• L3Harris said Christopher Kubasik left every company role after a board probe found conduct that went against its values.
• The company said the issue did not involve its books, controls, customers or daily work. It did not say what happened.
• Sam Mehta took over as president and CEO. The company also kept its 2026 goals and main defense plans in place.

L3Harris Technologies replaced Chairman and CEO Christopher Kubasik on Monday. The move came after a board probe of conduct that the company said went against its values.

The large U.S. defense firm did not describe the conduct. It said the matter had no link to its books, controls, customer ties or daily work.

Kubasik exits under separation agreement

Kubasik left his posts as chairman, chief executive and board member on Aug. 16. Mehta took control at once. Lead independent director Lewis Hay III became independent chairman.

“The Board and Chris have agreed that implementing our succession plan today is the right thing to do. We thank him for his service,” said Hay.

A separation agreement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission adds a key detail. Kubasik did not admit breaking company policy. L3Harris chose not to treat his exit as a firing for cause.

Kubasik will get no 2026 annual bonus, severance, or faster stock award vesting. He may keep some vested stock options and use them within 90 days.

The board used outside counsel during its probe. It said the exit deal was in the best interests of the company and its shareholders.

Sam Mehta takes over at a critical moment

Mehta joined L3Harris in 2023 and has more than 25 years of work in aerospace and defense. He most recently led two large company units. Together, they bring in more than 80% of L3Harris revenue.

Before L3Harris, Mehta led Advanced Structures at Collins Aerospace, part of RTX. He also spent more than 17 years in top jobs at Sikorsky Aircraft.

L3Harris named Lauren Barnes to lead Space and Mission Systems. Christopher Aebli will lead Communications and Spectrum Dominance. Both changes took effect Monday.

The company kept its 2026 goals for sales, growth, profit margins, earnings per share and free cash flow. It also kept a $3 billion plan to raise solid rocket motor output and shore up its supply chain.

Shares fell about 2.7% in premarket trading after the news. The move showed that the surprise exit rattled investors even with the company's forecast unchanged.

The switch comes as L3Harris reshapes its business and grows missile output. USA Herald previously covered the company’s $800 million commercial aviation unit sale, one of several moves meant to sharpen its focus on national security. Mehta must now steady the firm while key U.S. defense programs move ahead.

Follow USA Herald for more breaking business news, market moves and leadership changes at major U.S. companies. Subscribe to the USA Herald newsletter and follow us on X.