L3Harris Technologies has received contracts totalling $160 million to deliver AN/PRC-163 multi-channel handheld radio systems to the US Marine Corps.
The orders build on a $750 million 10-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity single-award contract to supply Falcon IV manpack and handheld radios for the US defense forces.
L3Harris received two initial orders last year totaling $235 million to deliver AN/PRC-163 Leader and AN/PRC-158 Manpack radios to the US Army.
Once delivered, the capabilities will enable “greater interoperability” between US and allied forces.
L3Harris AN/PRC-163 Radio
The AN/PRC-163 software-defined hand-held radios integrate different features, including voice data communications as well as gateway and network routing functions.
Using this equipment aids soldiers in employing informed decisions and obtaining real-time situational awareness in the battlespace.
Furthermore, the radios offer flexibility for seamless upgrades to meet the future requirements of defense customers.
‘Resilient Communications’
Several US military services have already adopted L3Harris’ Falcon IV radio family architecture, including the Special Operations Command.
“The resilient communications our battle-proven radios and secure waveforms offer allow Marines to talk to each other with confidence and exchange information at faster rates,” L3Harris Tactical Communications President Chris Aebli stated.
“These radios are the most advanced systems industry can put into the hands of our warfighters, delivering enhanced capabilities to address evolving threats.”
L3Harris Communication Projects in US
L3Harris is engaged with other efforts to equip the US defense forces with advanced tactical communications.
Last month, the company tested the effectiveness of integrating commercial space internet with an open radio to support unmanned platform missions.
In March, L3Harris was awarded a $3.96 billion contract to supply portable radios and associated equipment to the US Navy.
The firm, in partnership with Thales, was selected the same month to compete for a $6.1 billion initiative seeking to modernize the US Army’s Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems.