USMC plans switch to multichannel radios
The US Marine Corps (USMC) plans to evaluate the AN/PRC-158 radio as it looks for smaller, lighter, more capable solutions.
The corps is seeking a multichannel radio solution that allows for simultaneous monitoring between two radio networks. The new man-packable, multichannel AN/PRC-158 radio is designed to cover a wider frequency spectrum than the previous AN/PRC-117G single-channel radio.
The USMC also plans to field a handheld multichannel radio. Both the handheld and man-packable systems will be capable of interfacing with a vehicular integration kit and can be mounted onto any military vehicle, such as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle.
The multichannel radios will lighten the load for marines by encompassing two radios in one system, allowing a unit to carry a multichannel system rather than two individual radios.
The introduction of the multichannel radio system is a significant step toward meeting the National Security Agency’s mandate, which requires all radios not compliant with cryptographic modernisation standards to be replaced by 2024.
The USMC is seeking a Field User Evaluation of the AN/PRC-158 by the fourth quarter of 2019 and is anticipating a procurement decision in 2020. The capability is slated to be fielded by operating forces before 2021.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool]()
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: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster]()
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]()
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.
-
![Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella]()
Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella
Turkey has joined the family of countries attempting to establish a multilayered air defence system with government approval in August 2024 for the effort landed by Aselsan. Dubbed Steel Dome, the programme joins Israel’s Iron Dome, the US Golden Dome, India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra and South Korea’s low-altitude missile defence system.
-
![DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system]()
DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system
MARSS’ NiDAR system has been deployed using sensors from static platforms to provide detection and protection for static sights, such as critical infrastructure, ports and military bases.
