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The US Army has begun fielding BAE Systems’ latest AN/ARC-231A Multi-mode Aviation Radio Set, a software-defined radio system designed to deliver faster, more secure and flexible communications across its rotary-wing aircraft fleet.
The first installations have now been completed and the radios are operationally ready, marking what the Army and BAE describe as a significant step forward in modernising airborne communications and improving mission readiness.
The Multi-mode Aviation Radio Set (MARS) system represents the newest generation of multi-band, multi-mission radios incorporating Type 1 cryptographic modernisation – the US National Security Agency’s highest-level encryption standard for securing classified information. Its software-defined architecture enables the system to be continuously upgraded through software-only patches, allowing operators to adapt to new mission requirements and emerging threats without costly hardware overhauls.
“The fielding of the AN/ARC-231A MARS system marks a significant milestone to equip warfighters with advanced communications capabilities and an increase in mission readiness to respond more effectively to emerging threats,” said Brian Shadiack, director of adaptive communications and sensing at BAE Systems.
“This next-generation, software-defined radio has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it meets the highest standards of performance. Its design reflects a deep understanding of warfighters’ evolving needs in a rapidly changing operational environment.”
The AN/ARC-231A MARS comprises the RT-1987 radio and associated hardware such as amplifiers and mounting bases. It is designed as a “drop-in” replacement for the legacy ARC-231 radios already used across the US and allied fleets, offering backwards compatibility while significantly boosting performance.
Key features include:
- Configurable mission sets tailored to specific operations.
- Internationally compliant air traffic control communications for interoperability.
- Full US and NATO capability suite supporting secure voice, data, imagery and network communications.
- Anti-jam resilience for operations in contested electromagnetic environments.
The system is being produced at BAE Systems’ facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with additional engineering support in Largo, Florida.
BAE Systems already has more than 100,000 radios deployed worldwide, with its systems widely used by NATO members and partners. The ARC-231 family, in particular, is installed across a range of platforms including the UH-60 Black Hawk, AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook and UH-72 Lakota helicopters, many of which are also operated by Australia.
For Canberra, the rollout is noteworthy as the Australian Army is introducing 29 AH-64E Apache helicopters from 2026, along with upgraded Chinooks and Black Hawks under current acquisition programs. These aircraft are expected to require interoperable communications with US and allied forces in the Indo-Pacific, making the availability of systems like MARS through the foreign military sales process strategically important.
