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Harris Corporation has been awarded an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract with a potential value of up to $2.7 billion to supply the U.S. Department of Defense with its next-generation multiband Falcon III handheld tactical radio systems. The contract includes additional options, that if exercised over a five-year period could increase the potential value to nearly $7 billion.

Harris is one of two suppliers to receive IDIQ contracts for joint tactical radio system (JTRS) multiband handheld radios and orders will be awarded based on competitive bidding between the two suppliers.

The JTRS is a software-defined radio (SDR) that will enable soldiers to communicate with a wide variety of new and existing communications systems, as well as help older radios network with one another. The JTRS program replaces the traditional hardware radios, currently deployed, with devices that can emulate any radio's capabilities by simply changing software. JTRS radios in the field can be upgraded with new software via the wireless information network.

The contract, awarded by the Joint Program Executive Office of the Joint Tactical Radio System (JPEO JTRS), calls for Harris to provide Falcon III AN/PRC-152(C); radios, accessories, training and field support. Harris also will supply versions of its Falcon III AN/VRC-110 50 W vehicular system, which is a fully integrated communications platform based on rapidly deployable Falcon III AN/PRC-152(C), multiband handheld radios and will offer capabilities well beyond legacy single-mode, single-channel ground and airborne radio system (SINCGARS) radios.

In addition to SINCGARS capabilities, Falcon III radios provide UHF line-of-sight communications, close-air support and tactical satellite communications, and programmable encryption and software-upgradable using JTRS software communications architecture (SCA).