- Thales receives third Army Leader Radio delivery order for simultaneous 2-channel IMBITR radios.
- The Thales IMBITR has received extensive Soldier testing to deliver on U.S. Army expectations for a modern, resilient tactical network.
- Following delivery completion more than 6,000 IMBITR radios will be fielded globally.
Thales has been awarded its third delivery order from the U.S. Army to provide the AN/PRC- 148D Improved Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (IMBITR®). Under the Army Leader Radio program and in support of Capability Set fieldings into the Integrated Tactical Network (ITN), this latest award brings total IMBITR radio orders to more than 6,000.
In collaboration with the U.S. Army and under previous fieldings, Thales provided the IMBITR to multiple operationally deployed units to generate important Soldier feedback for testing and risk reduction prior to the U.S. Army’s formal Operational Test and Evaluation in January 2021. Important capability feedback from Soldier Touch Points – both as a standalone radio as well as a device integrated into the ITN architecture – was highly positive affirming IMBITR’s ability to provide cutting-edge tactical communications for mounted or dismounted Soldiers.
Today, the IMBITR offers an extended range of operational waveforms and features such as Beyond-Line-Of-Site SATCOM, Integrated Waveform SATCOM and enhanced frequency hopping modes. The Thales IMBITR Vehicular Amplifier Adapter for mounted vehicular platforms currently exceeds all threshold and objective range requirements with the potential to provide maneuver commanders greater voice and data communications ranges. The AN/PRC-148D, further incorporates additional secret and below security to the wideband side providing Commanders increased flexibility for an ever-changing environment and ensuring a modern, highly resilient tactical network.
IMBITR is the first 2-channel handheld radio providing Soldiers with critical narrowband, tactical communications capabilities along with a second wideband channel providing world-class WREN- TSMTM mobile, ad hoc networking waveform. Together, these capabilities provide assured, simultaneous networked voice, data and video communications for improved situational awareness and real-time decision-making. Currently, 4,800 IMBITR radios are operationally deployed and highly successful, supporting Security Force Assistance Brigade and Infantry Brigade Combat Team/Stryker Brigade Combat Teams.
“Thales is pleased to be a continued key contributor to the Army’s Leader Radio Program and fielding’s in support of the Integrated Tactical Network. With the new Thales AN/PRC-148D IMBITR radio, Soldiers will experience continued benefits from a decisive tactical advantage that comes with using the most capable radio on the market.”
Mike Sheehan, CEO, Thales Defense and Security, Inc.
Note to Editors
The IMBITR is a variant of the Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (MBITR) by Thales which is the world’s first 2-channel handheld networking radio embedding the TrellisWare® TSMTM waveform. The MBITR family is combat-proven and known for dependability in the most austere environments. Leveraging decades of radio development experience, Thales has deployed over 300,000 tactical radios worldwide.
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global high technology leader investing in digital and “deep tech” innovations – connectivity, big data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum technology – to build a future we can all trust, which is vital to the development of our societies. The company provides solutions, services and products that help its customers – businesses, organizations and states – in the defense, aeronautics, space, transportation and digital identity and security markets to fulfil their critical missions, by placing humans at the heart of the decision-making process. With 83,000 employees in 68 countries, Thales generated sales of €19 billion in 2019 (on a basis including Gemalto over 12 months).
