ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Maryland (March 28, 2022) – As part of the effort to modernize and secure the Army’s network, the service recently awarded an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for the new Combat Net Radio (CNR) to L3Harris Technologies, Inc. of Rochester, NY and Thales Defense Security, Inc. of Clarksburg, MD.
The CNR is a single-channel voice and data radio that is part of a holistic effort to phase out aging Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) radios across all service components. The CNR program is one part of the SINCGARS modernization strategy that encompasses fielding of HMS Manpack and Leader tactical data radios, and modernization of cryptographic devices.
The CNR effort supports National Security Agency and Department of Defense cryptographic modernization goals, and the Army’s unified network strategy by providing assured command and control voice, and limited Fires and Air Defense data in environments where access to the Integrated Tactical Network (ITN) is degraded, enabling multiple communications options for commanders.
The single-channel CNR will enhance frequency hopping and transmission security and, once fielded, will be available to both mounted and dismounted missions. It will also continue to support the SINCGARS waveform and its associated future upgrades.
“Thanks to software-defined capabilities, the CNR effort will support the new, resilient waveforms that are either in development or under consideration as part of our efforts to prepare for future modernization,” said Lt. Col. Sherida Whindleton, Product Manager for Waveforms, assigned to Project Manager Tactical Radios.
An initial delivery was placed at time of contract award for more than 1,100 radio assets, which includes those designated for first article test and to satisfy the required minimum government purchase. The value of initial delivery orders are $20.6M for L3Harris Technologies, Inc. and $18.2M for Thales Defense and Security, Inc.
Following completing of first article test and NSA certification, the Army will field to its first CNR equipped unit in FY24. The overall CNR contract ceiling is $6.1B and delivery orders can be placed against this contract until March 2032.
“CNR is a critical enabler of multipath diversity and for continued network modernization at the tactical edge,” said Col. Garth Winterle, Project Manager for Tactical Radios. “The reprogrammable nature of CNR radios lends itself to the Army’s capability set approach and the ability to upgrade over time.”
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The U.S. Army Program Executive Office Command, Control and Communications-Tactical develops, acquires, fields and supports the Army's mission command network to ensure force readiness. This critical Army modernization priority delivers tactical communications so commanders and Soldiers can stay connected and informed at all times, even in the most austere and hostile environments. PEO C3T is delivering the network to regions around the globe, enabling high-speed, high-capacity voice, data and video communications to a user base that includes the Army's joint, coalition and other mission partners.
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