Oct 3 (Reuters) - Defense contractor L3Harris Technologies said on Monday it would buy satellite specialist Viasat Inc's military communication unit for about $1.96 billion to better align with U.S. defense spending priorities like cybersecurity and sensors.

The government systems unit, known as Link 16 Tactical Data Links, includes 450 employees and has an annual sales of about $400 million.

It enables secured sharing of voice and data and is integrated on military aircraft, ground vehicles, surface vessels and operating bases.

With the deal, L3Harris aims to expand communication and networking capabilities to a larger user base.

The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2023 and is the largest deal since Chief Executive Chris Kubasik took charge in June last year. (https://reut.rs/3EdRet0) (Reporting by Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; editing by Uttaresh.V and Arun Koyyur)