L3Harris Technologies has been awarded a $24-million contract to deliver its advanced software-defined data device for the US Army’s Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) transport layer. The contract includes the supply of the AN/PRC-158C NGC2 Gateway Manpack, a modified version of the company’s Falcon IV AN/PRC-158, to the Army’s 4th Infantry Division in preparation for Project Convergence 2026.
The Falcon IV AN/PRC-158 is a modular, dual-channel radio system that operates across frequencies ranging from 30 MHz to 2,500 MHz. Compact and lightweight, it provides the Army with secure, high-data-rate communications and features Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite integration for beyond-line-of-sight connectivity. Its Software Communications Architecture allows it to switch between multiple waveforms, effectively functioning as a mini-network router capable of bridging communications across diverse networks and frequencies — a critical function in the Army’s evolving NGC2 environment.
The NGC2 initiative is part of the Army’s broader push to establish a seamless and interoperable communication network linking soldiers, vehicles, aircraft, and command centers across land, air, and cyber domains. Unlike traditional systems that operated in silos, NGC2 is structured as a multi-layered ecosystem comprising transport, infrastructure, data, and application layers to ensure greater coordination and responsiveness on the battlefield.
However, a recent Army memo highlighted potential vulnerabilities in the platform’s prototype, citing risks of unauthorized data access and unmonitored third-party application use. Some applications were reportedly found to contain high-severity code flaws, prompting the service to reinforce oversight and cybersecurity measures as it continues to refine the NGC2 framework.
