ICOM issued a statement addressing media reports about two-way radios bearing their logo allegedly exploding in Lebanon. The specific model in question, the IC-V82, was discontinued in 2014, and its batteries are no longer produced.
Due to the absence of a hologram seal, ICOM cannot confirm if the radios involved were authentic. The company emphasized that it strictly controls the export of its products through authorized distributors and follows rigorous security trade regulations.
All ICOM radios are manufactured in Wakayama, Japan, under strict quality controls. They will provide updates on their website as more information becomes available.
Already in 2014, ICOM warned about Fake Icom radios circulating on the market including IC-V82 handheld transceivers.
“Regarding Current Media Reports (follow-up)
Earlier today in worldwide media, there have been reports that two-way radio devices bearing the Icom logo have exploded in Lebanon. We hereby provide the following update about this incident at this time.
Regarding the radio reported in the media
The IC-V82 is a handheld radio that was produced and exported, including to the Middle East, from 2004 to October 2014. It was discontinued about 10 years ago, and since then, it has not been shipped from our company. The production of the batteries needed to operate the main unit has also been discontinued, and a hologram seal to distinguish counterfeit products was not attached, so it is not possible to confirm whether the product shipped from our company.
Product distribution
Products for overseas markets are sold exclusively through our authorized distributors. In addition, we have established an export program (the Icom Security Export Control Program) based on the security trade control regulations stipulated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and we conduct strict export controls.
Regarding manufacturing
All of our radios are manufactured at our production subsidiary, Wakayama Icom Inc., in Wakayama Prefecture, under a strict management system based on ISO 9001/14001/27001, so no parts other than those specified by our company are used in a product. In addition, all of our radios are manufactured at the same factory, and we do not manufacture them overseas.
We will continue to publish any new information on our website as soon it is known.”
ICOM IC-V82
Amateur Radio VHF transceiver
Frequency range: TX RX 144-146 MHz
RF output power: 7W 4W 500mW
Mode: FM / NFM (GMSK/4.8 kbps digital voice option)
Channels / memory management:
207 memories (Total)
Power supply: 6-10.3 VDC
Current drain / power consumption:
RX: 30-250 mA
TX: 1-2 A
Antenna impedance / connector: 50 ohm / BNC
Dimensions (W*H*D): 54*140*37 mm (2.12*5.51*1.46″)
Weight: 390 g (13.76 oz), with ABP-222N
Other features: CTCSS/PL and DTCS. GPS option.