The U.S. Navy has awarded Data Link Solutions a production contract to deliver hundreds of Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) terminals for U.S. forces and allied users, the company stated.
Data Link Solutions is a joint venture between BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace, an RTX business. The company said the contract will support delivery of software-defined radio terminals designed to provide jam-resistant Link 16 connectivity across air, land and maritime platforms.
According to the company, MIDS JTRS provides situational awareness and enables line-of-sight voice, video and data communications, allowing tactical information to be shared between forces operating in contested environments.
Brian Shadiack, director of Data Link Solutions, said the award reflects ongoing demand for secure command-and-control systems.
“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,” he said. “With increased production capacity, we will provide hundreds of MIDS JTRS radio terminals for more than 45 U.S. and international platform types, including unmanned aerial vehicles and armored C2 ground vehicles.”
The company said MIDS JTRS is a four-channel software-defined radio capable of running the Link 16 waveform alongside up to three additional communication protocols. Link 16 is a standard tactical data link used by NATO and allied forces to share real-time information.
Data Link Solutions stated that the system also incorporates Tactical Targeting Networking Technology, which it said provides low-latency communications and improved throughput in contested environments. The company said MIDS JTRS is being fielded across multiple aircraft types including the F-15, F-16, F/A-18 and F-22, as well as on maritime vessels and ground command-and-control assets. Work under the contract will take place in Wayne, New Jersey and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the company stated.
