DLS increases tactical radio production for U.S. Navy and coalition forces

The U.S. Navy’s Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command awarded Data Link Solutions (DLS), a joint venture between BAE Systems and Rockwell Collins, a $47.5 million contract to provide Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS JTRS) to U.S. and coalition forces. The scalable MIDS JTRS radio replaces numerous legacy radios with a lighter, more capable, and more energy efficient system.

“This award will provide the Navy with the latest in certified, reprogrammable, software-defined radio technology for tactical data links,” said Alan Dewar, director of DLS. “It will also improve our manufacturing efficiency so that we can deliver more affordable advanced data link systems to our customers.”

The new contract marks a substantial increase in terminal orders and deliveries as the U.S. Navy and Air Force begin transitioning multiple platforms to MIDS JTRS. The system enhances battlefield situational awareness and mission effectiveness by providing jam-resistant, line-of-sight voice, video, and data communications for ground, air, and sea assets. The 4-channel MIDS JTRS terminal combines existing Link 16 and tactical air navigation functionality with the flexibility to implement emerging airborne waveforms, thereby enabling forces to adapt to changing battlefield requirements with software updates.

Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Wayne, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed in August 2018.