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U.S. Army Begins Fielding BAE Systems’ Mission-critical Software-defined Radios Across Rotary-wing Aviation Fleet
September 8, 2025 | BAE SystemsEstimated reading time: 1 minute
BAE Systems’ AN/ARC-231A Multi-mode Aviation Radio Set (MARS) has completed initial installation and is operationally ready for use today on select U.S. Army rotary-wing aircraft. This fielding marks a major step forward in equipping warfighters with an advanced, secure, and fast-operating communications solution to inform key decisions in the field. The AN/ARC-231A MARS system is the newest generation of multi-band, multi-mission, airborne communications systems with Type 1 crypto modernization.
BAE Systems designed the system to enable U.S. Army secure waveform upgrades across its rotary-wing fleet or tailored to specific mission needs. MARS’ programmability supports evolving communication needs, special mission modifications, and performance enhancements. The software communications architecture and software-defined radio design enables deployment of new capabilities as software-only upgrades.
“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 system is comprised of the RT-1987 radio with associated ancillaries, including amplifiers and mounting bases. It serves as a drop-in replacement for the original ARC-231 radio currently fielded across U.S. armed forces and allies. MARS focuses on configurability and allows for flexible integration and mission deployment options that ensure interoperability for joint force operations. Available through foreign military sales, it provides international compliant air traffic control communications and a full range of mandatory U.S. and NATO capabilities.
With more than 100,000 radios deployed globally, BAE Systems’ battle-proven communications products offer significantly increased capability of legacy products. The company’s compact radio sets also offer multi-band, secure anti-jam voice, data imagery transmission, and network-capable communications.
The MARS system is manufactured at BAE Systems’ facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana with engineering support in Largo, Florida.
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