Airborne signallers test Army’s new radio in the jungle 25012023 CREDIT MOD Crown Copyright.jpg — A member of 216 Parachute Signal Squadron uses a multi-mode radio during Exercise Mercury Canopy (Picture: MOD).

Airborne signallers mapping on ATAK devices during a patrol through the jungle 27012023 CREDIT MOD Crown Copyright.jpg — Airborne signallers mapping on ATAK devices during a patrol through the jungle (Picture: MOD).

Section Commander from 216 Parachute Signals Squadron gives commands 25012023 CREDIT MOD Crown Copyright.jpg — A section commander from 216 Parachute Signals Squadron gives commands (Picture: MOD).

Members of 216 Parachute Signal Squadron patrol off into the jungle 25012023 CREDIT MOD Crown Copyright.jpg — Members of 216 Parachute Signal Squadron patrol into the jungle during Exercise Mercury Canopy (Picture: MOD).

216 Parachute Signal Squadron patrol over the Macal River Exercise Mercury Canopy 25012023 CREDIT MOD Crown Copyright.jpg — 216 Parachute Signal Squadron patrol across Guacamallo Bridge, over the Macal River towards the jungle during Exercise Mercury Canopy (Picture: MOD).

Airborne signallers during simulated casualty exercise carry soldier to safety 27012023 CREDIT MOD Crown Copyright .jpg — Airborne signallers carrying out a CASEVAC scenario with a simulated casualty, carrying a wounded soldier on a stretcher to safety (Picture: MOD).

Airborne signallers are testing the Army’s new radios in the jungle 27012023 CREDIT MOD Crown Copyright.jpg — Airborne signallers carrying out a CASEVAC scenario with a simulated casualty, carrying a wounded soldier on a stretcher to safety (Picture: MOD).

216 Parachute Signal Squadron soldier talks to members of the Belizean Defence Force 25012023 CREDIT MOD Crown Copyright.jpg — A member of 216 Parachute Signal Squadron talks to members of the Belizean Defence Force (Picture: MOD).

216 Parachute Signal Squadron member takes a knee in the jungle whilst on patrol 27012023 CREDIT MOD Crown Copyright.jpg — A member of 216 Parachute Signal Squadron takes a knee in the jungle while on patrol (Picture: MOD).

216 Parachute Signal Squadron briefing in the field during Exercise Mercury Canopy 25012023 CREDIT MOD Crown Copyright.jpg — Members of 216 Parachute Signal Squadron at a briefing in the field during Exercise Mercury Canopy (Picture: MOD).

Weapons and Kit

In pictures: Airborne signallers test out Army's new radio in Belize jungle

Airborne signallers have put the Army's new radio to the test in the challenging environment of the Belize jungle.

216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron has taken the multi-mode radio to the jungle to test the full range of its capabilities on Exercise Mercury Canopy.

The jungle provides a stern test for communication systems as the dense and moist vegetation absorbs radio waves and limits line-of-sight transmission.

The lightweight radio is called the L3Harris Falcon® IV AN/PRC-163 Multi-Channel Handheld.

It is a dual-channel radio which can be used in many roles, including ground-to-ground, air-to-ground, and beyond-line-of-sight (satellite communications) with aircraft and other ground forces.

The AN/PRC-163 radio has already been widely adopted by the US Army, US Marine Corps, US Special Operations Command, US Air Force, and a growing number of Nato allies, now including the UK.

More than 1,300 (Multi-Mode Radios) MMRs have been purchased for use by all three services through a £90m programme with L3Harris Communications Systems UK.

As part of 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, the British Army's global response force, the Colchester-based signallers must have the skills to operate in any environment.

Across the five-week manoeuvres, they lived in the jungle for extended periods to learn how to look after themselves and their kit, while tailoring their communications and soldiering skills to the demands of the jungle's weather, vegetation and wildlife.