May 12, 2025 to May 18, 2025
Link-16 Tactical Data Links: Developments Report
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. 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. These terminals are pivotal for secure communications across air, ground, and maritime platforms, ensuring interoperability among U.S. and allied forces. (Source)
Integration of New Technologies
The integration of Link-16 with space-based platforms marks a significant technological leap. This capability extends the communication range globally, 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 that is expected to be a game-changer in strategic military operations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. (Source)
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. (Source)
News from Defense Contractors
Viasat Inc. has increased 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 is also on track to build 25 BATS-E radios per month to meet near-term demand from U.S. and global military forces. (Source)
Military Exercises and Industry Conferences
Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division successfully participated in the German Air Force’s Timber Express TDL exercise, demonstrating the capabilities of its TCG-HUNTR intelligent TDL translation gateway. This exercise highlighted the gateway’s ability to support cross-platform communications using multiple TDLs across land, sea, and air. (Source)
Conclusion
The continuous advancements in Link-16 Tactical Data Links highlight the ongoing efforts to enhance secure military communications. Through strategic partnerships, integration of new technologies, and successful demonstrations in military exercises, Link-16 remains a cornerstone of modern defense strategies, ensuring robust and secure communication networks for allied forces.
May 05, 2025 to May 11, 2025
Link-16 Tactical Data Links: Developments from May 05, 2025 to May 11, 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 be a cornerstone of secure military communications, providing encrypted, real-time data exchange across various platforms. Recent developments have focused on enhancing the system’s capabilities through integration with space-based platforms, allowing for extended communication ranges and improved situational awareness. The integration of satellite networks, such as the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), has been pivotal in overcoming the traditional line-of-sight limitations of radio-based systems.
Source: SDA
Integration of New Technologies
The integration of Link-16 with space-based platforms marks a significant technological leap. This capability extends the communication range globally, 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 that is expected to be a game-changer in strategic military operations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Source: Link-16.com
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. Additionally, the AUKUS agreement continues to foster collaboration between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. in integrating emerging technologies on the battlefield.
Source: Link-16.com
News from Defense Contractors
Viasat Inc. has announced an increase in production run rates for its Non-Developmental Item (NDI) Link-16 Next-Generation Tactical Data Links radios. The company is now producing over 200 radios per month to meet the growing demand from U.S. and international defense customers. These radios, including the Battlefield Awareness Targeting System-Embedded (BATS-E), are designed to provide enhanced network connectivity and situational awareness for unmanned platforms.
Source: Defense Advancement
Military Exercises and Industry Conferences
Recent military exercises have demonstrated the enhanced capabilities of Link-16, particularly in integrating space-based communication systems. These exercises have highlighted the system’s ability to provide real-time situational awareness and secure data exchange across multiple platforms. 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.
Source: Link-16.com
Conclusion
The recent advancements in Link-16 and Tactical Data Links highlight the ongoing efforts to enhance military communication capabilities. The integration of space-based systems and increased production of advanced radios are pivotal in ensuring effective communication and situational awareness across all domains. These developments, supported by strategic partnerships and defense initiatives, underscore the importance of modernizing military communication networks to meet the demands of contemporary warfare.
April 28, 2025 to May 04, 2025
Link-16 Tactical Data Links: Developments Report
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 Tactical Data Links have undergone significant enhancements, particularly through the integration with space-based systems. This integration extends the communication range globally, providing near-real-time data exchange capabilities. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has demonstrated the ability to transmit Link-16 data from space, marking a pivotal development in strategic military operations, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.
Source: Link-16 Weekly News
Integration of New Technologies
The integration of Link-16 with next-generation technologies has been a focal point in recent developments. This includes the use of satellite-based platforms to enhance communication capabilities beyond the traditional line-of-sight limitations. The Space Development Agency (SDA) has been instrumental in these advancements, utilizing its satellite network as part of the Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiative.
Source: Air and Space Forces
Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives
Strategic defense partnerships continue to play a critical role in the deployment and enhancement of Link-16 systems. 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.
Source: Military Embedded Systems
News from Defense Contractors
L3Harris Technologies has been awarded a significant contract to supply the U.S. Navy and coalition forces with advanced communication technology. This includes the delivery of the Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) terminals, which are crucial for secure and resilient communication across various military platforms.
Source: Military Embedded Systems
Military Exercises and Industry Conferences
Recent military exercises have successfully demonstrated the enhanced capabilities of Link-16 systems, reinforcing their critical role in modern military operations. 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.
Source: Link-16 Weekly News
Conclusion
The continuous advancements in Link-16 Tactical Data Links highlight the ongoing efforts to enhance secure military communications. Through strategic partnerships, integration of new technologies, and successful demonstrations in military exercises, Link-16 remains a cornerstone of modern defense strategies, ensuring robust and secure communication networks for allied forces.
April 21, 2025 to April 27, 2025
Executive Summary
Recent advancements in Tactical Data Links, particularly Link-16, have significantly bolstered secure military communications through the integration of cutting-edge technologies and strategic defense partnerships. These developments are enhancing interoperability and situational awareness among allied forces, supported by increased production of advanced communication systems and successful military exercises. Industry conferences continue to provide platforms for defense leaders to explore new opportunities for collaboration and technological integration.
Introduction
The period from April 21 to April 27, 2025, witnessed significant developments in Tactical Data Links (TDLs), with a particular focus on Link-16. These advancements are crucial for enhancing secure military communications, integrating new technologies, and fostering strategic defense partnerships. This report provides a comprehensive overview of these developments, highlighting key news from defense contractors, military exercises, and industry conferences.
Advancements in Secure Military Communications
Link-16 continues to be at the forefront of secure military communications, with recent enhancements focusing on integrating space-based systems and next-generation technologies. These advancements are crucial for ensuring real-time data transmission and maintaining secure communication channels in contested environments. The integration of satellite communications (SATCOM) and software-defined radios (SDRs) is particularly noteworthy, as they provide flexible and adaptable communication solutions for military operations.
Integration of New Technologies
The integration of 5G technology into military communications is expected to revolutionize the field by providing ultra-high-speed, low-latency communication capabilities. This will enable faster data transmission, improved situational awareness, and enhanced connectivity in remote or hostile environments. Additionally, the development of small satellites and advancements in satellite communication technology are expanding the capabilities of military forces, offering global coverage and real-time communication.
Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives
Strategic defense partnerships continue to drive modernization efforts, ensuring improved interoperability and situational awareness for allied forces. Recent collaborations between defense agencies and private technology companies are fostering innovation in areas such as encryption, data security, and the integration of next-generation technologies. These partnerships are crucial for developing state-of-the-art communication solutions that meet the evolving needs of military operations.
News from Defense Contractors and Military Exercises
Defense contractors are increasingly focusing on providing advanced communication systems that integrate both hardware and software. The production of integrated solutions combining tactical communications, cybersecurity, and satellite communication technologies is helping military forces maintain a comprehensive and secure communication infrastructure. Recent military exercises have successfully demonstrated the enhanced capabilities of Link-16 systems, reinforcing their critical role in modern military operations.
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. The conferences are expected to highlight the latest trends and developments in military communications, offering valuable insights for industry stakeholders.
Conclusion
The recent advancements in Tactical Data Links, particularly Link-16, underscore the ongoing efforts to enhance military communications and interoperability. Through the integration of new technologies, strategic partnerships, and successful military exercises, these developments are poised to significantly impact future military operations and coalition force effectiveness.
Sources
April 14, 2025 to April 20, 2025
Link-16 Tactical Data Links: Developments from April 14-20, 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. 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. This capability is expected to be a game-changer in strategic military operations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Integration of New Technologies
The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has demonstrated the ability to transmit Link-16 data from space, showcasing the potential of space-based systems in enhancing military communications. The Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) developed by the Space Development Agency (SDA) will eventually include hundreds of satellites, providing beyond line-of-sight targeting and enhanced situational awareness capabilities.
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 increased 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 is also on track to build 25 BATS-E radios per month to meet near-term demand from U.S. and global military forces.
Military Exercises and Industry Conferences
Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division successfully participated in the German Air Force’s Timber Express TDL exercise, demonstrating the capabilities of its TCG-HUNTR intelligent TDL translation gateway. This exercise highlighted the gateway’s ability to support cross-platform communications using multiple TDLs across land, sea, and air.
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.
Conclusion
The recent advancements in Link-16 and Tactical Data Links highlight the ongoing efforts to enhance military communication capabilities. The integration of space-based systems and increased production of advanced radios are pivotal in ensuring effective communication and situational awareness across all domains. These developments, supported by strategic partnerships and defense initiatives, underscore the importance of modernizing military communication networks to meet the demands of contemporary warfare.
Sources
April 07, 2025 to April 13, 2025
Link-16 Tactical Data Links: Developments Report
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, a NATO-standard tactical data link communication system, has seen significant advancements with the integration of satellite-based systems. This integration extends its capabilities beyond line-of-sight communications, allowing for global data exchange in near real-time. The U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) has been pivotal in demonstrating these capabilities, which are crucial for the Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiative. This initiative aims to create a unified operating picture for real-time intelligence and automated fire control, enhancing coalition force effectiveness.
Source: Link-16.com
Integration of New Technologies
The integration of Link-16 with space-based platforms marks a significant technological leap. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has demonstrated the ability to transmit Link-16 data from space, which is expected to be a game-changer in strategic military operations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Viasat Inc. has increased production of its Link 16 Next-Generation Tactical Data Links radios to meet rising demand, enhancing situational awareness and network efficiency.
Source: Link-16.com
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. The International Data Links Symposium (IDLS) continues to foster collaboration among industry experts and military personnel, highlighting the importance of global defense partnerships.
Source: Link-16.com
News from Defense Contractors and Military Exercises
The Link 16 Tactical Data Links Working Group, held at the L3Harris High Technology Center, provided a platform for discussing the latest advancements and challenges in tactical data links. This conference is crucial for professionals responsible for communications planning, interoperability, and network management. Additionally, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions supported General Atomics Aeronautical Systems in demonstrating the first successful exchange of Link 16 Tactical Data Link data from an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to U.S. Navy surface ships, showcasing the potential of unmanned platforms in enhancing military communications.
Source: Defense Advancement
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.
Source: Link-16.com
March 31, 2025 to April 06, 2025
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.
Sources
- Link-16 Tactical Data Links: Developments from March 17-23, 2025
- Space Development Agency: Link 16 tactical data link communication via space
- New Satellite Data Layer Connects Army, Navy, NATO—with Link 16
- Military Embedded Systems: Link 16 Next-Gen Tactical Data Links radio production increased by Viasat
March 24, 2025 to March 30, 2025
Advancements in Tactical Data Links: Focus on Link-16
Executive Summary: Recent developments 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 advancements are supported by increased production of advanced communication systems and successful military exercises demonstrating new capabilities.
Advancements in Secure Military Communications
Link-16 Tactical Data Links (TDLs) have seen substantial advancements, particularly in enhancing secure military communications. The integration of satellite-based systems has been a key focus, allowing for improved beyond line-of-sight capabilities and ensuring robust communication channels across various military platforms. These developments are crucial for maintaining secure and reliable data exchange in complex operational environments.
Source: Link-16 Weekly News
Integration of New Technologies
The integration of new technologies into Link-16 systems has been pivotal in enhancing their operational capabilities. Recent advancements include the adoption of software-defined radios and modem technologies, which improve anti-jamming capabilities and command efficiency. These technologies are essential for real-time decision-making and have been successfully demonstrated in recent military exercises.
Source: Link 22 Developments
Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives
Strategic defense partnerships continue to play a critical role in the deployment and enhancement of Link-16 systems. The Space Development Agency (SDA) has been actively collaborating with the U.S. Army and Navy to utilize its satellite network as part of the Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiative. Additionally, international collaborations, such as those with Norway, demonstrate the system’s interoperability with NATO’s terrestrial networks.
Source: Link-16 Weekly News
News from Defense Contractors
Defense contractors are significantly contributing to the advancements in Link-16 systems. 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. These terminals are crucial for secure communications across air, ground, and maritime platforms, ensuring interoperability among U.S. and allied forces.
Source: Link-16 Weekly News
Industry Conferences and Military Exercises
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. Recent military exercises have successfully demonstrated the enhanced capabilities of Link-16 systems, reinforcing their critical role in modern military operations.
Source: Link-16 Weekly News
March 17, 2025 to March 23, 2025
Link-16 Tactical Data Links: Developments from March 17-23, 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. The U.S. Department of Defense continues to emphasize international partnerships to counter potential threats, with initiatives like the AUKUS agreement fostering collaboration between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.
News from Defense Contractors
Viasat Inc. has announced an increase in production run rates for its Link-16 radios, producing over 200 units per month to meet current interest and pending orders. The company is also on track to build 25 BATS-E radios per month to meet near-term demand from U.S. and global military forces. These radios are designed to provide enhanced network connectivity and situational awareness for unmanned platforms.
Military Exercises and Industry Conferences
Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division successfully participated in the German Air Force’s Timber Express TDL exercise, demonstrating the capabilities of its TCG-HUNTR intelligent TDL translation gateway. This exercise highlighted the gateway’s ability to support cross-platform communications using multiple TDLs across land, sea, and air. 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.
Conclusion
The recent advancements in Link-16 and Tactical Data Links highlight the ongoing efforts to enhance military communication capabilities. The integration of space-based systems and increased production of advanced radios are pivotal in ensuring effective communication and situational awareness across all domains. These developments, supported by strategic partnerships and defense initiatives, underscore the importance of modernizing military communication networks to meet the demands of contemporary warfare.
Sources
March 10, 2025 to March 16, 2025
Link-16 Tactical Data Links: Developments from March 10-16, 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. 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. These terminals are pivotal for secure communications across air, ground, and maritime platforms, ensuring interoperability among U.S. and allied forces. (Source)
Integration of New Technologies
The integration of Link-16 with space-based platforms marks a significant technological leap. This capability extends the communication range globally, 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 that is expected to be a game-changer in strategic military operations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. (Source)
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. (Source)
News from Defense Contractors
Viasat Inc. has increased 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 is also on track to build 25 BATS-E radios per month to meet near-term demand from U.S. and global military forces. (Source)
Military Exercises and Industry Conferences
Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division successfully participated in the German Air Force’s Timber Express TDL exercise, demonstrating the capabilities of its TCG-HUNTR intelligent TDL translation gateway. This exercise highlighted the gateway’s ability to support cross-platform communications using multiple TDLs across land, sea, and air. (Source)
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. (Source)
Conclusion
The recent advancements in Link-16 and Tactical Data Links highlight the ongoing efforts to enhance military communication capabilities. The integration of space-based systems and increased production of advanced radios are pivotal in ensuring effective communication and situational awareness across all domains. These developments, supported by strategic partnerships and defense initiatives, underscore the importance of modernizing military communication networks to meet the demands of contemporary warfare.