BAE Systems awarded US Navy NTCDL contract

The US Navy has awarded BAE Systems an $85 million production contract to deliver additional Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL) systems.



Image courtesy BAE Systems

NTCDL will enable a real-time exchange of voice, data, imagery, and full-motion video from a variety of air, surface, subsurface, and man-portable sources. Systems under the company’s current contract are presently being installed on US Navy aircraft carriers and will be installed on new Constellation-class frigates.

Amber Dolan, director of Adaptive Communications and Sensing at BAE Systems, said: “We have designed and produced a faster next-generation system to meet the demands of our customers’ evolving connectivity mission requirements.

“BAE Systems is committed to providing the US Navy with a trusted and secure solution to transmit and receive the critical information needed to successfully accomplish its missions across the fleet.”

NTCDL is a multiplatform solution for all US Navy Common Data Link (CDL) requirements. It is a modular, scalable system designed to increase link capacity and embrace waveform evolution.

NTCDL supports multiple, simultaneous, networked operations using currently fielded CDL equipment, as well as next-generation manned and unmanned platforms. It enables operators to simultaneously transmit and receive real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data from multiple sources and exchange command and control information across separate or independent networks. This allows for effective communication among forces to maintain an advantage.

This award modifies an existing BAE Systems contract to extend the programme’s total period of performance by three years. As the original developer and manufacturer of the NTCDL system, BAE Systems has the engineering and production capabilities to meet the programme’s urgent fielding timeline requirements, with the work ork on this contract taking place at BAE Systems’ facilities in Maryland, Colorado, New Jersey and New York.

Related

MOD seeks industry input on next-generation medical evacuation system
Imagery of the Atlas A400M, seen here operated by crews of LXX & 30 Squadron overseen by an XXIV Squadron instructor, carrying on beach landings over on Pembrey Sands. This was facilitated by Tactical Air Traffic Controllers and Tactical Fire who ensure the beach and activity is completed as intended. Along with conducting touch and go's alongside full stop landings, the aicraft also despatched a pair of RWMIK's driven by 16 Air Assault Brigade as part of an Engine Running Operation or ERO.
MOD seeks industry input on next-generation medical evacuation system
The MOD is looking to modernise the specialist systems used to transport patients with dangerous infectious diseases back to the UK.
Aerospace Defence

2 Nov 2026

Jersey Airport seeks UK counter-drone support after two nights of flight disruption
Control Tower at Jersey Airport
Jersey Airport seeks UK counter-drone support after two nights of flight disruption
Multiple flight diversions and cancellations sparked a police investigation and prompted fresh efforts to strengthen drone detection around Jersey Airport.
Aerospace

2 Nov 2026

“Ill-judged and short-sighted”: Virgin Atlantic slams London Heathrow terminal shakeup
Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350 landing at Heathrow Airport
“Ill-judged and short-sighted”: Virgin Atlantic slams London Heathrow terminal shakeup
The changes will increase the required transit time for passengers connecting between Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines.
Aerospace

1 Nov 2026

Filtronic awarded UK Defence Innovation Contract to advance connectivity technologies
Advanced connectivity technologies
Filtronic awarded UK Defence Innovation Contract to advance connectivity technologies
As part of plans to develop the UK's high-capacity network capabilities, Filtronic has been awarded a UK Defence Innovation Contract to advance next-generation connectivity technologies.
Defence Member News

2 Nov 2026

New Belfast fabrication hall to support construction of Fleet Solid Support ships
Harland-Wolff Belfast
New Belfast fabrication hall to support construction of Fleet Solid Support ships
A new fabrication hall at Navantia UK’s Harland & Wolff site in Belfast will be the centrepiece of a £157 million investment programme across their four UK shipyards.
Defence Member News

2 Nov 2026

MOD seeks industry input on next-generation medical evacuation system
Imagery of the Atlas A400M, seen here operated by crews of LXX & 30 Squadron overseen by an XXIV Squadron instructor, carrying on beach landings over on Pembrey Sands. This was facilitated by Tactical Air Traffic Controllers and Tactical Fire who ensure the beach and activity is completed as intended. Along with conducting touch and go's alongside full stop landings, the aicraft also despatched a pair of RWMIK's driven by 16 Air Assault Brigade as part of an Engine Running Operation or ERO.
MOD seeks industry input on next-generation medical evacuation system
The MOD is looking to modernise the specialist systems used to transport patients with dangerous infectious diseases back to the UK.
Aerospace Defence

2 Nov 2026

Space cybersecurity starts on the ground: The hidden risks in satellite supply chains
headshot for Benny Czarny Opswat CEO
Space cybersecurity starts on the ground: The hidden risks in satellite supply chains
Compromised suppliers, unchecked files and insecure updates can threaten satellites before they reach orbit. OPSWAT founder and CEO Benny Czarny explains why prevention must start on the ground
Insights Security Space

31 Oct 2026

Plextek receives King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation
King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation from His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester.
Plextek receives King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation
HRH The Duke of Gloucester has presented Plextek with the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for its PLX-T60 sensing platform.
UK sets out plans for quantum technology in space, with secure satellites and navigation as priorities
Quantum Growth Alliance
UK sets out plans for quantum technology in space, with secure satellites and navigation as priorities
The UK Space Agency has released a roadmap to deploy quantum sensors, secure communications, and GPS-independent navigation aboard satellites by 2035.
Security Space

30 Oct 2026

Space cybersecurity starts on the ground: The hidden risks in satellite supply chains
headshot for Benny Czarny Opswat CEO
Space cybersecurity starts on the ground: The hidden risks in satellite supply chains
Compromised suppliers, unchecked files and insecure updates can threaten satellites before they reach orbit. OPSWAT founder and CEO Benny Czarny explains why prevention must start on the ground
Insights Security Space

31 Oct 2026

Overseas defence firms face UK offset norms on contracts worth £50m or more
Former Defence Secretary John Healey MP is given a tour of the UK's Storm Shadow production line at MBDA's facility in Stevenage on 31 May 2025. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Rosie Hallam
Overseas defence firms face UK offset norms on contracts worth £50m or more
The UK government has launched a new offsets policy requiring foreign defence suppliers to invest in UK jobs, factories, and local supply chains starting April 2027.
Defence Security

30 Oct 2026

Cambridge Pixel expands radar options with Garmin integration
Cambridge Pixel radar tracker for Garmin radars
Cambridge Pixel expands radar options with Garmin integration
Support for Garmin's Fantom and GMR xHD marine radars gives maritime developers and systems integrators greater flexibility when selecting sensors for new projects.