Data Link Solutions (DLS), a joint venture between BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace, has been awarded a contract from the US Navy to provide the multifunctional information distribution system joint tactical radio system (MIDS JTRS).
As disclosed, the contract is an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) award with a ceiling value up to $1 billion. It includes continued production, retrofits, development, and sustainment of MIDS JTRS terminals for future growth.
The system is a four-channel software-defined radio designed to run the complex Link 16 waveform and up to three additional communication protocols. Link 16 is a standardized communications system used by NATO, the US, and its partners.
According to BAE Systems, MIDS JTRS provides situational awareness and enables Link 16 connectivity with jam-resistant, line-of-sight voice, video, and data communications for sea, ground, and air assets.
Warfighters must make well-informed, interoperable decisions swiftly, requiring large volumes of data to be exchanged in real-time. MIDS JTRS enables interoperability across forces using Link 16, the company noted.
“MIDS JTRS brings different generations of platforms onto a common communications network. It provides more stable and secure gateways in the most contested scenarios,” said Amber Dolan, director of Data Link Solutions.
“This award enables Data Link Solutions to modernize thousands of MIDS JTRS terminals and provide new capabilities that support a variety of missions for the U.S. Navy and coalition forces.”
Development, production, and integration of MIDS JTRS will take place in Wayne, New Jersey and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This contract combines purchases for the US Navy, US Air Force, US Army, and MIDS Program Office, as well as purchases for NATO nations under the Foreign Military Sales program.
As part of the IDIQ, the first task order of $116 million has already been awarded to provide terminals and spares, with follow-on production awards expected.
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