Data Link Solutions Selected to Provide U.S. and Allied Militaries with Advanced Networked Communications

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Data Link Solutions (DLS), a joint venture between Rockwell Collins and BAE Systems, has received a $18.3 million award from the U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command to provide real-time situational awareness data and voice communications technology to U.S. and international militaries. DLS will deliver Multifunctional Information Distribution System Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVT) — a key component of Link 16 data exchange networks — to the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Air National Guard, as well as to several foreign governments through the U.S. Department of Defense’s Foreign Military Sales program.  

“We’re helping to ensure that our troops and allies have access to the real-time information they need to complete their missions and operate with U.S. and coalition forces,” said Jack Stevens, product line director for Communications and Navigation Solutions at BAE Systems. “Our team is leading the delivery of combat-proven Link 16 MIDS terminals to allied forces worldwide.”

DLS’ MIDS-LVT allows the exchange of real-time situational awareness information and voice communications across the battle space. A versatile technology, these MIDS terminals arm U.S. and NATO-allied assets across air, maritime, and ground platforms with secure, jam-resistant Link 16 communications.

The award is a firm, fixed-price delivery order that will be completed at facilities in Wayne, New Jersey, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

About Data Link Solutions

Data Link Solutions was established in 1996 by two of the world leaders in military communications, Rockwell Collins and BAE Systems, to pursue next-generation Link 16 applications. DLS is a leading supplier of Link 16 terminals and software, as well as logistics and support services for air, land, and sea-based platforms. The company has a heritage of more than 20 years of Link 16 design and production experience, with more than 5,000 Link 16 systems delivered worldwide.

DLS has provided MIDS terminals for more than 40 different platforms in 28 countries. Product offerings include the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System Class 2 family, the Multi-functional Information Distribution System (MIDS) LVT and LVT-3 Fighter Data Link, the MIDS-LVT-2, the MIDS-On-Ship, the URC-138 Link 16 terminal, TacNet™ Tactical Radio and various country-unique data links. DLS is the only company to provide all LVT variants including the Fighter Data Link and the LVT-2/11 and has added MIDS JTRS to its offerings.