Data Link Solutions awarded USD 248 m contract to deliver MIDS JTRS terminals to US and coalition forces

The US Navy has awarded Data Link Solutions, a joint venture between BAE Systems and RTX’s Collins Aerospace business, a USD 248 million (EUR 208 million) production contract to deliver hundreds of Multifunctional Information Distribution System – Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) terminals for US and allied forces.

The system provides situational awareness and enables jam-resistant Link 16 connectivity with line-of-sight voice, video, and data communications for sea, ground and air assets in dynamic operational environments.

“Finding the quickest and most secure path, MIDS JTRS enables the sharing of relative position and targeting data among joint forces and allows warfighters to make well-informed decisions swiftly in contested scenarios,” BAE Systems noted.

MIDS JTRS is a four-channel, software-defined radio designed to run the complex Link 16 waveform and up to three additional communication protocols. Link 16 is a standardised communications system used by NATO, the US forces and their allies and partner nations to share real-time tactical data. It is a scalable and flexible solution to tailor networks to mission needs. In addition to Link 16 compatibility, MIDS JTRS’ advanced Tactical Targeting Networking Technology offers a low-latency, high-communications waveform capability that provides critical platform connectivity and throughput within contested environments. The US Department of War is fielding MIDS JTRS on the F-15, F-16, F/A-18 and F-22 aircraft, as well as naval vessels and ground command-and-control (C2) assets.

“This contract demonstrates the ongoing need to equip our warfighters with a high-performing, secure command-and-control solution and our commitment to deliver at the speed of need,” Brian Shadiack, director of Data Link Solutions, was quoted as saying in a BAE Systems press release. “With increased production capacity, we will provide hundreds of MIDS JTRS radio terminals for more than 45 US and international platform types, including unmanned aerial vehicles and armoured C2 ground vehicles.”

Data Link Solutions is a leading supplier of Link 16 terminals and software, as well as logistics and support services for air-, land- and sea-based platforms. With more than 25 years of experience providing affordable, high-performance, and high-reliability datalink terminals for forces, the organisation has delivered over 9,000 Link 16 systems worldwide to more than 50 nations.

Work on the MIDS JTRS programme takes place in Wayne, New Jersey, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.