Dutch to substantially boost C2 capability with planned $1.4 billion radio purchase
The AN/PRC-163 is in service with US Special Forces and has been approved for sale to the Netherlands. (Photo: L3Harris)
The Netherlands is set to buy US$1.4 billion of L3Harris radios under a Foreign Military Sales request approved by the US State Department and notified by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency to the US Congress for its approval.
The deal is for five types of radios – AN/PRC-117G, AN/PRC-152A, AN/PRC-160, AN/PRC-163, AN/PRC-167 – and supporting equipment and services. The latter two radios include tactical key loaders, network encryptors, government and contractor technical assistance, spares and other related elements of logistics and programme support.
The AN/PRC-117G is a Type 1 multi-band, multi-mission radio with US/NATO standardised waveforms and wideband data capabilities. A member of the Falcon III family, it is a manpack tactical software-defined radio that provides wideband data capabilities and interoperability with fielded waveforms.
Related Articles
USSOCOM orders more Falcon IV radios
L3Harris enables better communication for British soldiers
US Marine Corps enhances tactical comms with L3Harris radio contracts
The radio has already seen in service with the Netherlands and four other NATO countries, as well as Niger.
The AN/PRC-152 single-channel, multi-band, multi-mission handheld radio provides a transition to JTRS technology and is in service with Australia, Niger, five NATO members and other countries. If the deal goes ahead it will be the first of the type for the Netherlands.
The AN/PRC-160 is a Type 1-certified manpack HF SDR which offers beyond-line-of-sight communication in GPS-denied environments and offers a higher data rate than its predecessors.
The AN/PRC-163 is a multi-channel, handheld SDR already in service with the Netherlands and 1,300 have been ordered by the UK and 1,540 by the US. Selected by US Special Operations Command for its Special Operations Forces in 2015, the radio completed its Critical Design Review in October 2016.
The AN/PRC-167 is a dual-channel manpack radio that supports high-speed mobile ad-hoc network operations and has built-in GPS support and satellite communications capability. According to the manufacturer, it has been designed for dismounted and vehicular missions.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
-
Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order
The order further extends the Oshkosh Defense production line as AM General, selected for US orders, pushes to get vehicles out the door with no room for export orders.
-
US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production
The new US facility for 155mm artillery projectiles is a reflection of a worldwide trend which has also seen Rheinmetall and BAE Systems working to improve capability in the same area.
-
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.