Harris exhibits suite of communications solutions
Harris Corporation exhibited its suite of communications solutions at the AFCEA event in Bonn, as it considers its strategy regarding the German Armed Forces’ (Bundeswehr) Mobile Tactical Communications (MoTaKo) and Mobile Tactical Information Network (MoTIV) programmes. More on those two procurement programmes here.
Speaking to MONS at the event, company officials described how Harris was teamed up with German company JK Defense as it expected the German Ministry of Defence (MoD) to prefer an indigenous solution from a local company as opposed to a direct US import.
The MoTaKo and MoTIV programmes are set to provide the German Army with a next-generation capability for mounted and dismounted forces with Inspector of the German Army, Lt.Gen. Jorg Vollmer explaining to delegates on 26 April how the winning solution must comprise a ‘digitally sovereign’ and IP-based system capable of providing ‘continuous information.’
Harris and JK Defense highlighted its full suite of products including the RF-335M handheld radio, set to be delivered to the US Special Operations Command in September 2017; as well as manpack options including the recently launched RF-300H and AN/PRC-158. However, company officials were unable to confirm which solutions would be offered up to the German Army as part of the programme.
The company is also promoting its HC2 battle management system which was first unveiled to the international market earlier in 2017.
Industry sources suggested to MT that Harris is likely to partner up with a larger Systems Integrator. Currently, Rheinmetall has confirmed its teaming with Rohde & Schwarz while other potential candidates could include the likes of Airbus Defence and Space; Saab; and Leonardo.
Nothing is expected to progress until the German Army has finalised its Ability to Perform and Functional Requirement document, which will confirm programme requirements, sources added.
