Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Data Link Solutions receives IDIQ award for MIDS JTRS modernisation

Defence

Data Link Solutions receives IDIQ award for MIDS JTRS modernisation

The US Navy has awarded Data Link Solutions (DLS) - a joint venture between BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace - an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) award with a ceiling value up to $1 billion for the Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS).

Above: US Navy F-18 fixed-wing aircraft takes off for flight over ocean from large ship aircraft carrier.
Courtesy BAE Systems

The contract includes continued production, retrofits, development and sustainment of MIDS JTRS terminals for future growth. 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.

Advertisement
Teledyne

 
The US and its allies operate in network-centric, information-intensive environments where communications, navigation and identification are mission‑essential capabilities. Warfighters must make well-informed, interoperable decisions swiftly, requiring large volumes of data to be exchanged in real-time. MIDS JTRS enables the interoperability across forces using Link 16.
 
“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 modernise thousands of MIDS JTRS terminals and provide new capabilities that support a variety of missions for the US Navy and coalition forces.”
 
Advertisement
Teledyne

MIDS JTRS 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 standardised communications system used by NATO, the US, and its allies to share real-time tactical data. It is a scalable and flexible solution to tailor networks to mission needs. Tactical Targeting Networking Technology offers a low latency, high communications capability that provides critical platform connectivity and throughput within contested environments. The Department of Defense is fielding MIDS JTRS on the F-15, F-16, F/A-18 and F-22 aircraft, as well as ship and command and control assets.
 
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. With more than 25 years of experience providing affordable, high-performance, high-reliability data link terminals for forces, DLS has delivered more than 9,000 Link 16 systems worldwide to more than 50 nations.
 
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 programme. 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.

MoD campaign highlights impact of public interruption to military training

Defence

MoD campaign highlights impact of public interruption to military training

18 July 2025

Soldiers sprinting through a salon, abseiling into gyms and crawling through offices feature in a striking new campaign by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), turning the tables on the issue of public interruptions to military training exercises.

UAS launched munitions set to combat air and ground targets

Defence

UAS launched munitions set to combat air and ground targets

18 July 2025

For the first time, BAE Systems has launched a precision munition from a multi-rotor Uncrewed Air System (UAS) and successfully destroyed both air and ground targets during trials in the US.

UK

Defence

UK's combat air flying demonstrator revealed

17 July 2025

Industry partners, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and MBDA UK, together with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), have revealed the design of the UK’s flagship Combat Air Flying Demonstrator, as the aircraft reaches a major milestone, with two thirds of its structural weight now in manufacturing.

Scottish defence dividend investment launched

Defence

Scottish defence dividend investment launched

16 July 2025

Scottish Secretary and Minister for Defence Procurement & Industry have visited HMNB Clyde to launch the multidecade, multibillion-pound Clyde 2070 programme.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Captec to showcase next-gen computing at DSEI

Defence Events

Captec to showcase next-gen computing at DSEI

16 July 2025

As the defence landscape continues to evolve at pace, with technological advances reshaping mission requirements and placing increasing demands on deployed computing systems, computing specialist Captec will be showcasing next-generation computing platforms at DSEI 2025 (9th–12th September 2025, Excel London).

SkyShark takes flight

Defence Security

SkyShark takes flight

16 July 2025

MGI Engineering, a company forged in the fast-paced world of Formula 1, has officially unveiled SkyShark, a next-generation military drone platform designed to transform battlefield operations with speed, precision and UK-built sovereignty.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025