Tactical radios play a crucial role in modern military operations, providing secure and reliable communication in various environments. Here, we highlight ten leading manufacturers of tactical radios, detailing their history, place of origin, flagship products, and notable military clients and conflicts.

1. Harris Corporation (L3Harris Technologies)

History and Origin

• Founded: 1895
• Headquarters: Melbourne, Florida, USA

Flagship Products

• AN/PRC-117G: A wideband networking radio providing simultaneous voice, data, and video communications.
• AN/PRC-152: A handheld multiband, multimode radio.

Military Clients and Conflicts

• Clients: U.S. Army, NATO forces, various Middle Eastern and European militaries.
• Conflicts: Utilized in the Iraq War, Afghanistan War, and various NATO missions.

2. Thales Group

History and Origin

• Founded: 2000 (from Thomson-CSF)
• Headquarters: Paris, France

Flagship Products

• PR4G: VHF tactical radio system used for secure voice and data communications.
• MBITR (Multi-band Inter/Intra Team Radio): Designed for interoperability among forces.

Military Clients and Conflicts

• Clients: French Army, British Armed Forces, and other NATO members.
• Conflicts: Deployed in peacekeeping missions, operations in Afghanistan and Africa.

3. Motorola Solutions

History and Origin

• Founded: 1928
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Flagship Products

• APX Series: P25 two-way radios used for public safety and military operations.
• XTS 5000: A digital radio offering secure communications.

Military Clients and Conflicts

• Clients: U.S. military, NATO allies.
• Conflicts: Utilized in Iraq and Afghanistan, various peacekeeping operations.

4. Rohde & Schwarz

History and Origin

• Founded: 1933
• Headquarters: Munich, Germany

Flagship Products

• SDTR (Software Defined Tactical Radio): Provides secure, high-speed data transmission.
• M3TR (Multiband, Multirole, Multimode Tactical Radio): Versatile communications solution.

Military Clients and Conflicts

• Clients: German Bundeswehr, NATO forces, and numerous European militaries.
• Conflicts: Used in NATO operations, missions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

5. Elbit Systems

History and Origin

• Founded: 1966
• Headquarters: Haifa, Israel

Flagship Products

• PNR-1000: A personal network radio for infantry soldiers.
• E-LynX: Advanced software-defined radio family for tactical communications.

Military Clients and Conflicts

• Clients: Israel Defense Forces (IDF), European and Asian militaries.
• Conflicts: Arab-Israeli conflicts, operations in Lebanon, and various global peacekeeping missions.

6. Leonardo S.p.A.

History and Origin

• Founded: 1948 (as Finmeccanica, rebranded to Leonardo in 2017)
• Headquarters: Rome, Italy

Flagship Products

• SWave SDR: A software-defined radio for secure and flexible communications.
• Elettronica Radio Systems: Offering various tactical communication solutions.

Military Clients and Conflicts

• Clients: Italian Armed Forces, NATO allies, and Middle Eastern countries.
• Conflicts: Utilized in NATO missions, operations in Libya and Afghanistan.

7. BAE Systems

History and Origin

• Founded: 1999 (merger of British Aerospace and Marconi Electronic Systems)
• Headquarters: Farnborough, Hampshire, UK

Flagship Products

• PRC-148 MBITR: A widely used multiband radio.
• Falcon III: A series of tactical radios providing secure communications.

Military Clients and Conflicts

• Clients: British Army, U.S. military, and other NATO forces.
• Conflicts: Iraq War, Afghanistan War, and various NATO-led operations.

8. General Dynamics Mission Systems

History and Origin

• Founded: 1952 (as General Dynamics Corporation)
• Headquarters: Fairfax, Virginia, USA

Flagship Products

• AN/PRC-155 Manpack Radio: Provides secure communications for dismounted soldiers.
• CM-300/350 V2: Ground-to-air radios for secure communications.

Military Clients and Conflicts

• Clients: U.S. Department of Defense, NATO forces.
• Conflicts: Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, various military training exercises.

9. Codan Communications

History and Origin

• Founded: 1959
• Headquarters: Adelaide, Australia

Flagship Products

• Sentry-H 6120-BM: High-frequency radio for long-range communications.
• Envoy HF: Modern HF radio with advanced encryption.

Military Clients and Conflicts

• Clients: Australian Defence Force, African and Middle Eastern militaries.
• Conflicts: Peacekeeping missions in Africa, regional conflicts in the Asia-Pacific.

10. Cobham plc

History and Origin

• Founded: 1934
• Headquarters: Wimborne Minster, Dorset, UK

Flagship Products

• Eagle ISR: Tactical radio for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
• HArT (High Accuracy and Range Timing): Communication system for precise timing and synchronization.

Military Clients and Conflicts

• Clients: UK Armed Forces, U.S. military, and NATO allies.
• Conflicts: Utilized in Afghanistan, Iraq, and various NATO operations.

These companies represent the forefront of tactical radio technology, providing essential communication tools that support modern military operations worldwide. From historic conflicts to ongoing missions, their products ensure that forces remain connected, coordinated, and effective in the field.