BAE Systems to provide radios for South Korean aircraft
BAE Systems’ AN/ARC-232A may be installed on South Korea’s KF-21 fighter aircraft. (Photo: ROKAF)
AN/ARC-232A is a Starfire radio that provides VHF/UHF communications to airborne platforms and the transceiver is software-programmable, allowing for multiple waveform support as well as optional national electronic counter counter-measure (ECCM) capability.
BAE Systems will provide ultra-high frequency AN/ARC-232A software defined radios for use in South Korean fixed-wing and rotary aircraft under a US$111 million contract.
The radios use the Second-generation, Anti-jam, Tactical, Ultra-high Frequency Radio for NATO (SATURN) waveform with the radios designed to be upgradeable, small and lightweight and have frequency hopping capability which makes jamming more difficult.
The radios will be produced at BAE Systems’ factory in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and the company will provide the AN/ARC-232A to South Korean manufacturer LIG Nex1 for final build, testing and aircraft integration.
The transceiver features ECCM capabilities that provide reliable voice and data communications. Notably, the AN/ARC-232A has Automatic Direction Finding (ATC) capability. The manufacturer noted that support for civilian communications standards could also be added depending on mission requirements.
Originally designed as an upgrade for the AN/ARC-164 and AN/ARC-232 radio systems, the new AN/ARC-232A maintains the same form-factor and control interfaces and can utilise the same ancillaries, such as external cryptographic devices and the legacy remote control units.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces]()
Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces
Airbus was awarded the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) contract at the end of 2010. This included an option for a third satellite, which was activated after Germany joined the programme in 2015.
-
![Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)]()
Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)
In today’s contested operational environment, adaptability is key. The new Geospatial-Intelligence as a Service (GEO IaaS) solution from Fujitsu and MAIAR empowers militaries by enabling intelligence advantage, combining advanced technology with human expertise to deliver actionable insights.
-
![Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy]()
Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy
Israel will continue to develop autonomy for its weapons and platforms as it brings together defence personnel, academia and industry.
-
![Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s]()
Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s
Clavister CyberArmour, an integrated defence cybersecurity system, will be used on BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 platform in deployments with a Scandinavian country, as well as in an eastern European nation.
-
![Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch]()
Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch
The tactical satellite (TacSat) is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system and will participate in exercises in 2025.
-
![AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family]()
AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family
The airborne three-domain, the two ground-based and the ¼ ATR OpenVPX-based cross-domain systems were engineered to provide real-time security across multi-domain operations.
