David Nyikos

Director, International Electronic Warfare Programs Airborne Combat Systems L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

David “BONKO” Nyikos is a director of International Electronic Warfare Programs within the Airborne Combat Systems (ACS) sector of L3Harris Technologies.

Prior to joining the company in 2025, Nyikos was a colonel in United States Air Force.

Nyikos now plays a critical role in driving L3Harris’ global growth strategy by fostering and maintaining relationships with international partners and allies. His primary focus is on ensuring customers around the world have access to the most advanced, combat-proven, mission-ready Electronic Warfare (EW) systems.

Nyikos earned his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1995 and his wings from Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training in 1996.

He began his career flying F-15C missions with the 94th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, supporting Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. In 2000, he transitioned to a terminal air controller role with the 101st Airborne Division, deploying to Afghanistan for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

He later returned to the F-15 at Elmendorf Air Force Base, serving in various roles, including Director of Operations for the award-winning 2006 Raytheon Trophy squadron

From 2006 to 2008, Nyikos earned a Master of Science in Engineering Management, published a thesis in Sustainable Engineering, and interned at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

He then served as a joint exercise planner at United States Joint Forces Command, leading operational planning for exercises for United States Pacific Command. Nyikos also flew as an AT-38C instructor pilot at Randolph Air Force Base and deployed as the Chief of Safety for the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, supporting multiple operations in the Middle East and Africa.

Between 2014 and 2016, Nyikos completed Dutch language training and earned a Master of Arts in Political and Military Sciences from the Koninklijke Militaire School in Brussels.

He served at NATO Headquarters as the Strategic Policy Planner for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s Permanent Representative to the NATO Military Committee. His work included launching NATO's first-ever military strategy and modernizing readiness reporting.

In 2018, Nyikos was selected as the Director of the Joint Air Component Coordination Element at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, coordinating airpower for NATO's Resolute Support Mission and Operation FREEDOM’S SENTINEL. He later served as Chief of Staff for the 9th Air Expeditionary Task Force - Afghanistan.

From 2019 to 2020, he was the Deputy Director of Operations for Headquarters Air Combat Command at Langley Air Force Base. In April 2021, Nyikos was selected as an initial cadre member of the Air Force’s new Foreign Area Officer specialty.

His final role with the U.S. military was Chief of the Office of Defense Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in The Hague, where he represented and advised on Security Assistance and Cooperation Programs. His team enhanced Dutch military capabilities, improved interoperability with the United States, and managed a growing Foreign Military Sales portfolio.