The ARC-210 radio installed on the A-10C Warthog is essentially a “quantum leap” in secure radio communications aboard the aircraft, said Lt. Col. Kevin Campbell, of the Maryland Air National Guard’s 175th Fighter Wing, talking with reporters at AFA’s Air & Space Conference. He noted the digital radio is not exclusive to the A-10C, but it has revolutionized their chances of getting secure information flowing to and from their cockpit while in flight. “By next year, we hope to have satellite communications on every A-10 through the ARC-210 radio,” Campbell said.
The new defense reconciliation bill includes $7.2 billion for Air Force and Navy aviation accounts, almost half of which will buy more F-15EXs. While electronic warfare, drones, connectivity and airlift all get attention, the F-35 was conspicuously absent from the package, with no explanation given.