WASHINGTON : The U.S. Navy has awarded a $248 million production contract to Data Link Solutions for the manufacture and delivery of hundreds of Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) terminals for U.S. military forces and allied partners, according to contract details released by the company.
Data Link Solutions is a joint venture between BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace, an RTX business. The company specializes in secure tactical data link communications, supporting joint and coalition operations across air, land, and maritime domains.
Expanded Production for U.S. and Coalition Platforms
Under the contract, Data Link Solutions will increase production capacity to supply MIDS JTRS terminals for more than 45 U.S. and international platform types. These include fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), maritime vessels, and armored command-and-control (C2) ground vehicles.
The terminals are intended for deployment across a wide range of operational environments, supporting both U.S. forces and coalition partners engaged in combined and joint missions.
“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,” said Brian Shadiack, Director of Data Link Solutions.
“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,” Shadiack added.
Capabilities of the MIDS JTRS System
The MIDS JTRS is a four-channel, software-defined radio designed to support the Link 16 tactical data link waveform, along with additional communication protocols. The system provides secure, jam-resistant connectivity and enables line-of-sight voice, video, and data exchange in contested and complex operational environments.
Link 16 is a widely used tactical data link that allows military platforms to share real-time situational awareness information, including position data, identification, and command-and-control messages. The multi-channel architecture of the MIDS JTRS allows simultaneous communication across multiple networks, improving interoperability and operational coordination.
The system is being fielded across a broad set of applications, including airborne platforms, surface ships, and ground-based command-and-control assets, supporting joint and coalition force integration.
Longstanding Role in Tactical Data Links
Data Link Solutions brings more than 25 years of experience in the development and production of Link 16 systems. To date, the company has delivered more than 9,000 Link 16-equipped systems worldwide to U.S. and allied customers.
The new contract builds on this existing portfolio and reflects continued demand for secure, interoperable tactical communications as military forces modernize command-and-control architectures and expand the use of networked and unmanned systems.
Production under the contract will support ongoing modernization efforts across U.S. and allied forces, ensuring continued availability of Link 16 connectivity across current and future operational platforms.
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