The U.S. Navy has awarded Data Link Solutions, a joint venture between BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace (RTX), a $248 million production contract to deliver hundreds of Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) terminals. The contract supports U.S. forces and coalition partners by strengthening secure, jam-resistant tactical communications across air, land, and sea operations.
Strengthening Coalition Command and Control
Modern military operations increasingly depend on secure, real-time data sharing across joint and allied forces. Link 16 has become the backbone of NATO and allied tactical communications, enabling interoperability and shared situational awareness. The latest MIDS JTRS terminals are designed to meet evolving battlefield demands, particularly in contested and electronic warfare environments.
Operational Details: Capabilities of MIDS JTRS
MIDS JTRS is a four-channel, software-defined radio capable of running the complex Link 16 waveform alongside up to three additional communication protocols. The system enables jam-resistant, line-of-sight voice, video, and data communications, allowing forces to rapidly exchange relative positioning, targeting, and mission-critical information.
The radio also incorporates Tactical Targeting Networking Technology (TTNT), delivering low-latency, high-throughput communications essential for dynamic, contested operations. Together, these capabilities significantly enhance decision-making speed and command-and-control effectiveness.
Strategic Significance: Multi-Domain and Platform Integration
Under the contract, Data Link Solutions will supply MIDS JTRS terminals for more than 45 U.S. and international platform types, including manned and unmanned aircraft, maritime vessels, and ground command-and-control vehicles. The system is currently being fielded across major U.S. platforms such as the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, and F-22, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of joint and coalition operations.
Brian Shadiack, Director of Data Link Solutions, emphasized that the award reflects the urgency of equipping warfighters with secure, high-performance C2 solutions while accelerating production to meet operational demand.
Economic and Industrial Impact
Program work will be conducted in Wayne, New Jersey, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, supporting U.S. defense manufacturing and skilled engineering roles. With more than 25 years of experience and over 9,000 Link 16 systems delivered to more than 50 nations, Data Link Solutions continues to play a critical role in global defense communications infrastructure.
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