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March 31, 2025 to April 06, 2025

by | Apr 7, 2025 | Weekly News

Link-16 Tactical Data Links: Developments from March 31 to April 06, 2025

Executive Summary: Recent advancements in Link-16 Tactical Data Links have significantly enhanced secure military communications through integration with space-based systems and next-generation technologies. Strategic defense partnerships and initiatives continue to drive modernization efforts, ensuring improved interoperability and situational awareness for allied forces. These developments are supported by increased production of advanced communication systems and successful military exercises demonstrating new capabilities.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link-16 continues to evolve as a secure communication protocol, enabling multi-domain operations by providing situational awareness, command and control, and targeting information. Recent developments have focused on enhancing the security and reliability of communications across air, ground, and maritime platforms. L3Harris Technologies has been awarded a substantial contract by the U.S. Navy to supply Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) terminals, which are pivotal for secure communications and ensuring interoperability among U.S. and allied forces.

Integration of New Technologies

The integration of Link-16 with space-based platforms marks a significant technological leap, extending the communication range globally and providing near-real-time data exchange. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has demonstrated the ability to transmit Link-16 data from space, a development expected to be a game-changer in strategic military operations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Viasat Inc. has increased production run rates for its Non-Developmental Item (NDI) Link-16 Next-Generation Tactical Data Links radios to meet growing demand from U.S. and international defense customers.

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

Defense partnerships play a crucial role in the advancement of Link-16 capabilities. The U.S. Navy’s contract with L3Harris, valued at nearly $1 billion, underscores the importance of collaboration in enhancing communication technologies. This contract supports the delivery of resilient communication systems to U.S. and coalition forces, reinforcing interoperability and mission success.

News from Defense Contractors

Viasat Inc. has announced an increase in production run rates to over 200 Non-Developmental Item (NDI) Link-16 Next-Generation Tactical Data Links radios per month to meet current interest and pending orders from U.S. and international defense customers. The company’s Battlefield Awareness Targeting System-Embedded (BATS-E) Link 16 radios are designed to provide network connectivity and access for a variety of unmanned platforms to view, relay, and share situational awareness data for more accurate tracking, identification, and engagement.

Military Exercises and Industry Conferences

Upcoming industry conferences, such as the Potomac Officers Club’s 10th Annual Defense R&D Summit, will feature discussions on defense technology innovations, including advancements in Link-16. These events provide a platform for defense leaders to share insights and explore new opportunities for collaboration and technological integration. Additionally, successful military exercises have demonstrated the new capabilities of Link-16, further validating its role in modern military operations.

Expert Insights

According to Major Tyler Levy at the Norwegian Foreign Defense Research Establishment, the integration of Link-16 with space-based systems is a “game-changing capability” that is just beginning to be fully realized. The ability to communicate using Link-16 via satellites in space, as demonstrated by Norwegian and American forces, opens up new operational opportunities and enhances the strategic capabilities of allied forces.

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