L3Harris awarded manpack and handheld radio deal worth almost $300 million
The AN/PRC-163 Handheld radio is one of two types being provided under the contract. (Photo: L3Harris)
The award is for L3Harris AN/PRC-158 two-channel Leader manpack radio and AN/PRC-163 Handheld multi-channel radio under the Handheld, Manpack & Small Form Fit (HMS) programme.
L3 Harris will supply AN/PRC-158 Leader and AN/PRC-163 Handheld radios to the US Army under a deal worth almost US$300 million through the force’s HMS programme.
This award follows similar production orders from 2023 totalling more than $247 million under the same indefinite delivery/indefinite quality contract.
The US Army has also selected L3Harris to deliver Mobile User Objective System-capable AN/PRC-158s for the service’s MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft systems and the CH-47 Chinook rotary-wing fleet as part of the Air-to-Ground Networking Radio programme.
Related Articles
USMC plans switch to multichannel radios
Harris receives second order for AN/PRC-158
Manpack and Leader enter full-rate production
AN/PRC-158 and AN/PRC-163 radios can switch between Secure But Unclassified – Encrypted and high-assurance levels of encryption, enabling interoperability with coalition partners. It meets the latest NSA encryption and decryption standards for communications security and transmission security.
AN/PRC-158 covers the 30-2,500MHz frequency range and can run both narrowband and wideband waveforms, according to Shephard Defence Insight.
Designed for team, squad and platoon leaders, the AN/PRC-163 can transmit dual-channel voice, video and data through satellite communications and line-of-sight. The device also supports multiple Mobile Ad-hoc Networking options such as TSM-X and ANW2.
The radios underwent Initial Operational Test and Evaluation at Fort Bragg in January 2021 to ensure capability, and allowed L3 Harris to proceed with the full-rate production decision.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.
