In a decisive move to advance battlefield communications, the U.S. Army has awarded BAE Systems a five-year, $460 million contract to deliver the AN/ARC-231/A Multi-mode Aviation Radio Set (MARS) for its rotary-wing aircraft. This software-defined, cryptographic communication solution equips warfighters with the secure, real-time data needed to navigate today’s complex operational environments.
The MARS system offers unparalleled flexibility through its software-defined architecture, enabling the seamless addition of new features and mission-specific configurations as software-only upgrades. Amber Dolan, Director of Adaptive Communications and Sensing at BAE Systems, emphasized, “This radio system is purpose-built to deliver real-time, mission-critical information that adapts swiftly to each operation’s needs.”
Built for joint interoperability, the AN/ARC-231A MARS system integrates Type 1 Crypto Modernization and is capable of secure multi-band communications, making it an ideal choice for U.S. and NATO operations. Production is underway at BAE Systems’ Fort Wayne facility, with additional engineering support in Largo, Florida.
Edited: Katerina Urbanova
Photo credit: BAE Systems