The US Marine Corps (USMC) has placed a $176m order with L3Harris Technologies to procure multichannel handheld (MCHH) and vehicular radio systems.

The latest deal is expected to enhance interoperability across the US Department of Defense (DoD), Special Operations Command, and key allied nations.

It is the first order placed by the USMC as part of a recently awarded ten-year indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.

The $750m IDIQ contract involves the procurement of the L3Harris Falcon IV family of manpack and handheld radios.

L3Harris Tactical Communications president Chris Aebli said: “The battle-proven radios to be delivered within these orders will extend Marines’ speed and agility by providing secure and resilient communications to meet their unique mission needs.”

The MCHH radios are designed to deliver a variety of secure communications waveforms including network routing, gateway functions and simultaneous integration of voice and data communications.

Separately, the US Navy has exercised an additional option for a previously awarded L3Harris Technologies’ contract to produce enhanced submarine imaging masts and spares.

Under this contract, the company will provide two configurations of its Type 20 low-profile mast to fulfil the operational requirements of the US Navy.

L3Harris will carry out the production-related work at its facility in Northampton, Massachusetts, US.

Deliveries are expected to commence in 2024.

L3Harris Maritime president Rosemary Chapdelaine said: “The Type 20 low-profile mast is the next-generation imaging mast that will provide enhanced capabilities to Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines.

“Under this contract, we will deliver technology advancements to support the US Navy’s mission and operational requirements, which will enable users to see and control the submarine integrated imaging systems.”