AN/PRC-153
US military squad-level UHF handheld with embedded encryption.
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The AN/PRC-153 is the Joint Electronics Type Designation System (JETDS) designation for the US military version of the Motorola XTS-2500i secure handheld two-way radio. Within the US Marine Corps it is known as the Integrated, Intra-Squad Radio (IISR), intended for squad-level communications during urban warfare.
Quick Facts
- Frequency range
- 380–470 MHz (UHF R1)
- Power output
- 2.5–5 watts
- Transmission range
- up to 5 miles on flat terrain, 1 mile with obstacles
- Channels
- 240 channels total, 12.5 or 25 kHz channel bandwidth
- Weight
- 11 oz (transceiver only), 19.85 oz with NiCD battery
- Environmental certifications
- MIL-STD-810 C
- D
- E
- F and IP67
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The AN/PRC-153 is the 153rd design of an Army-Navy electronic device for portable two-way radio under JETDS, which now names all Department of Defense electronic systems. The US Marine Corps ordered 60,000 units for squad-level communications during urban warfare, intended to serve until replaced by the more complex Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) cluster 5 spiral 2 radio in 2013. However, JTRS was cancelled in October 2011, and thus the PRC-153 continues to serve.
The IISR is a Motorola XTS 2500i with an embedded encryption module identical to that of commercially available XTS 2500 modules, supporting DES and AES encryption algorithms. Because of this, it is not classified as a Controlled Cryptographic Item (CCI). The radio supports analog voice (unencrypted only), IMBE digital voice (encrypted and unencrypted), and digital text messaging. Programming is done via Windows PC-based Customer Programming Software through RS-232 or USB cable on all models, with Front Panel Programming available on Model III only.
Encryption key fill uses CPS for software-based 40-bit ADP encryption and a Key Variable Loader (KVL) for hardware-based algorithms such as AES and DES. The radio operates in the 380–470 MHz UHF range with a power output of 2.5–5 watts, using an omnidirectional flexible monopole antenna with SMA connector and 50Ω characteristic impedance. It weighs 11 oz for the transceiver alone, or 19.85 oz with a NiCD battery, and measures 6.00" x 2.30" x 1.50" without battery or antenna.
Reader's Guide
The AN/PRC-153 represents a pragmatic bridge between commercial off-the-shelf technology and military tactical requirements. Its designation as the Integrated, Intra-Squad Radio (IISR) within the US Marine Corps highlights its intended role for close-quarters urban warfare, where squad-level coordination is critical. The decision to embed an encryption module identical to commercial XTS 2500 modules—supporting DES and AES—allowed the radio to avoid classification as a Controlled Cryptographic Item, simplifying logistics and security handling.
The USMC's order of 60,000 units underscores the scale of its deployment, originally planned as an interim solution until the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) cluster 5 spiral 2 radio could be fielded. The cancellation of JTRS in October 2011 extended the PRC-153's service life indefinitely, making it a lasting fixture in Marine Corps communications.
Its ability to operate in both analog and digital modes, along with digital text messaging, provides flexibility across different operational environments. The radio's MIL-STD-810 and IP67 certifications ensure ruggedness, while its 5-mile range on flat terrain and 1-mile range with obstacles suit urban and open terrain alike. The PRC-153's legacy is that of a reliable, commercially derived system that filled a critical gap and outlasted its planned replacement.
More in Military and Two-Way Radios
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: AN/PRC-153 (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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