US Army to receive new single-channel combat radios
A US Army soldier with AN/PRC-148C IMBITR. (Photo: US Army)
Thales will provide its AN/PRC-148C Improved Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (IMBITR) to the US Army under the Combat Net Radio (CNR) programme.
‘The flexible, software-defined and secure CNR will empower the US Army to seamlessly replace the legacy R/T1523 fleet of radios,’ Thales noted in a 16 May statement. ‘It will continue to be compatible with the existing SINCGARS [Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System] waveform but allow the Army to add new waveforms and enhanced capabilities to address evolving requirements.’
IDIQ contracts totalling up to $6.1 billion for CNR were awarded on 25 March for Thales and L3Harris, with initial orders worth $18.2 million and $20.6 million respectively.
There is a five-year baseline ordering period with options for a further five years. First tests are scheduled for 2024.
The CNR contract follows delivery orders the US Army placed in October 2021 for the Thales two-channel AN/PRC-148D Leader Radio and the new single-channel AN/PRC-170 Javelin Radio.
‘Both radios deliver portable voice and data communication to warfighters under the most extreme battlefield conditions,’ Thales stated.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Digital Battlespace
-
Thales looks to boost DigitalCrew system through AI and human-machine teaming trials
The Thales DigitalCrew package, first unveiled at last year’s Defence IQ International Armoured Vehicles conference, is designed to merge imaging and apply a layer of decision-making and observation algorithms to support crew and other personnel.
-
Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool
Nomad can provide militaries with real-time intelligence, saving critical time on the battlefield.
-
AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems
Taurus operates alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ Orion system which supports mission management across tens of thousands of manoeuvring forces, from squad leaders to battalion commanders.
-
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster
The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
-
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end
Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.