Harris Corporation receives $112 million order from Australian Department of Defence for networked battlefield communications
Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, has received a US$112 million (AUD$135 million) order for Falcon tactical radio systems that will provide battlefield networking capabilities to the Australian Department of Defence. The order consists primarily of Harris Falcon III AN/PRC-152 multiband handheld radios, but also includes Harris Falcon III AN/PRC-117G wideband, AN/PRC-117F multiband and AN/PRC-150 high-frequency (HF) manpack radios.
Harris radio systems will serve as the secure communications backbone for the Australian Defence Forces (ADF) Land 75, Land 125 and Joint Project 2072 communications modernization programs. The systems wirelessly connect soldiers to each other, their commanders and other devices in the field. The Harris systems, which include Type 1 security devices, antennas and power amplifiers, will allow the ADF to meet its objectives to provide networking capabilities that enhance situational awareness and speed decision-making.
"Harris is collaborating with the Australian Department of Defence and the program team on this very important program that will lead to an operational, networked Australian brigade in 2013," said Andy Start, president, International business, Harris RF Communications. "We're also excited to expand international use of our JTRS-approved Falcon III radio systems. These systems form the basis for secure networked military communications, providing significantly better information gathering and dissemination at the tactical edge -- where the battle is fought."
The largest part of the order is for the Falcon III AN/PRC-152, the most-widely deployed JTRS-approved handheld radio. The AN/PRC-152, in dismounted configuration, will connect soldiers to the ADF's central Battle Management System and serve as a hub for other soldier-carried C4 devices.
Harris also will supply its Falcon III AN/PRC-117G wideband manpack radio, Falcon II AN/PRC-117F multiband manpack radio and Falcon II AN/PRC-150 high-frequency manpack radio. In addition, Harris is providing the AN/PRC-152 in vehicular amplifier adapters to support the installation of equipment in more than 1,000 armored vehicles.
As part of the agreement with the ADF, Harris will be establishing a customer service and support center in Brisbane. Harris is working closely with prime contractor Elbit Systems on the communications modernization programs.
Source: Harris Corp.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
NATO innovation programme doubles in size
DIANA has been leveraging its accelerator programme and test centre network to bring end users together with start-ups, scientific researchers and technology companies for the development of dual-use technological defence and security solutions.
-
DARPA awards AI contracts
The US has been working to out how to use and defend against AI with DARPA alone outlining in 2008 ‘AI Next’ programme with US$2 billion committed to advance the science of AI.
-
Finding your space
Digital mapping and geolocation have become critical to battlespace users, and ensuring the best content is delivered is vital.
-
Why the US would struggle to overcome Russia’s nuclear anti-satellite weapon
Russia's move to develop a nuclear anti-satellite weapon has highlighted US anxieties over space combat readiness, challenging the Pentagon's strategic defences in a potential cosmic battleground.
-
China’s AI developments in electronic surveillance extends to battlefield
‘Nowhere to hide’ as Chinese progress in AI-enabled surveillance technological has enabled it to identify and suppress enemy communications systems.
-
Boeing wins $440 million contract for 12th Wideband Global SATCOM satellite
Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellites have been supporting the US DoD’s warfighting information exchange requirements, enabling execution of tactical C4ISR, battlefield management and combat support information.