High Frequency Radio Systems

This program element funds the Airborne High Frequency Radio Modernization (AHFRM) program to address the obsolescence of the legacy AN/ARC-190 High Frequency (HF) radio system, which is currently installed on over a thousand aircraft. Production of the AN/ARC-190 HF radio ceased in 2018, and the system is becoming unsustainable due to a diminishing supply of spare parts, with assets falling below supply chain thresholds by late 2027. The program is developing a replacement modern, software-defined radio, designated as the AN/ARC-260. This development ensures the continuity of high-frequency communication capabilities for a wide range of mission-essential aircraft without requiring costly airframe modifications. This modernization is mission critical because HF radio capability provides resilient and survivable communications, especially in environments where satellite communications are denied, contested, or unavailable. It is an essential alternative for beyond-line-of-sight command and control (C2), enabling strategic communication, the transmission of critical force direction messaging, and routine Air Traffic Control (ATC) during long-range and oversea flights. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations also mandate HF radio capability for aircraft to fly outside the continental United States. Failure to modernize these radios would result in the loss of critical C2 pathways and could lead to the grounding of aircraft, severely impacting mission readiness and operational availability. The AHFRM program directly supports a diverse fleet of approximately 1,300 aircraft within the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard. This includes strategic bombers like the B-1 and B-52; mobility platforms such as the C-5, C-17, C-130, and KC-135; and various special mission aircraft. The new AN/ARC-260 system introduces significant technological advancements, including digital voice, high-speed data and text messaging, and an open architecture that allows for rapid software upgrades and the insertion of new capabilities. This modular and expandable design ensures the system can adapt to future requirements, such as advanced waveforms and enhanced security, guaranteeing long-term sustainability and interoperability across joint forces.