The selection is for the Rifleman Radio Full Rate reduction (FRP) program, also part of the U.S. Army’s Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Handheld, Manpack and Small-form Fit (HMS) program. The Army’s projected contract cost through 2025 for radios, accessories, technical support and sustainment, will not exceed $3.9 billion.
The Army’s acquisition strategy is to compete individual delivery orders following qualification testing. Testing will be performed on radios delivered under the initial delivery order. Qualified radios are expected to begin being fielded in 2017.
Thales’ enhanced AN/PRC-154A Rifleman Radio is the most advanced, fielded, and proven soldier radio on the market, delivering voice and data simultaneously. It provides secure, inter-squad, networked communications and situational awareness to the soldier at the tactical edge of the battlefield, improving mission effectiveness.
Thales has been involved in the development and fielding of the Rifleman Radio since 2004 under Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP). The Army has procured more than 21,000 radios to date under the LRIP.
“Thales remains committed to the Rifleman Radio program and to supporting the Army’s network modernization initiative. We look forward to continuing to deliver the Nation’s soldiers a decisive advantage on the battlefield. With the Thales Rifleman Radio soldiers will be provided with the best in class solution using the most capable soldier radio on the market,” said Michael Sheehan, President and CEO, Thales Defense and Security, Inc.
Thales has leveraged over two decades of handheld radio design experience in its latest Rifleman Radio solution, which exceeds the original program requirements by improving battery life, mission weight, and waveform performance while also enhancing the user interface.
