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.