A light armored division of the Philippine Army is to be equipped with tactical vehicular radio systems and intercoms from Harris Corporation.

The Falcon III systems -- the RF-7800V Combat Net Radio, integrated into the RF-7800I Intercom Systems -- will deliver in-vehicle, secure integrated voice and data services up to the brigade-level.

"This order will accelerate tactical radio modernization for the Philippine Army by providing soldiers with enhanced command and control and situational awareness for real-time decision-making," said Brendan O'Connell, president of international business for Harris RF Communications. "The embedded encryption will provide secure interoperability with more than 13,000 Harris Falcon radios currently fielded within the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines)."

Harris said the initial order received is worth $18 million and is part of the Philippines' tactical communications modernization program.

No details were given as to the number of systems to be delivered or their delivery schedule.

The Philippines, a former U.S. Commonwealth, is upgrading the capabilities of its military forces amid a continuing dispute with China over sovereignty of islands in the South China Sea and insurgency in rural areas by communist guerrillas.