US Army Awards L3Harris NGC2 Manpack Radio Delivery Orders
L3Harris Technologies secured an $84 million U.S. Army contract for NGC2 manpack radios, enhancing battlefield communication security and data throughput for soldiers.
The useful question is what changes for users, developers or buyers, and whether the announcement stays industry context or becomes something people can actually use.
L3Harris Technologies announced it has received $84 million in orders from the U.S. Army for Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) manpack Falcon systems, including the AN/PRC-158C. The radios feature high-throughput Mobile Ad hoc Networks and resilient waveforms to ensure secure communications under all conditions. This follows a prior $24 million order in October 2025, bringing the total contract value to $108 million. The systems will integrate into the NGC2 transport layer, supporting data delivery across sensors, shooters, and command-and-control networks.
The AN/PRC-158C manpack radios are designed for forward-deployed teams, offering two-channel operation and superior communication security. They operate across a 30-2500 MHz frequency range and are 30% smaller than comparable radios. The systems include air-to-ground networking, routing, MANETs, and In Line Encryption to meet NGC2 requirements. L3Harris emphasized the software-defined architecture of its Falcon Advanced Data Node gateways, which are already fielded globally and adaptable to evolving threats.
Chris Aebli, President of Mission Critical Communications at L3Harris, stated the company’s systems are battle-tested and aligned with the U.S. Department of Defense’s commercial-first acquisition approach. He highlighted ongoing investments in system capabilities and production capacities to meet global customer needs. The NGC2 program aims to modernize communication pathways for soldiers operating in contested environments.
The contract award reflects L3Harris’ role in supporting the U.S. Army’s NGC2 initiative, which focuses on resilient and secure communication technologies. Separately, L3Harris also secured a Federal Aviation Administration contract to upgrade and operate the nation’s aircraft tracking network through 2045, further expanding its defense and aviation technology portfolio.