Data Link Solutions awarded a deal worth up to $1 billion for tactical radio systems
MIDS JTRS is to be fielded on F-15, F-16, F/A-18, and F-22 aircraft, as well as ship and C2 assets. (Image: BAE Systems)
The deal announced on 11 December was an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract and the first task order of $116 million has already been awarded to provide terminals and spares, with follow-on production awards expected.
Data Link Solutions (DLS) will manufacture Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS JTRS) for a range of platforms under an ID/IQ deal with the US Navy (USN), worth up to US$1 billion.
DLS, a joint venture between BAE Systems and Raytheon, has already been awarded a first task order of US$116 million and 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.
It 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 allies to share real-time tactical data.
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 (C2) assets.
This contract combines purchases for the USN, US Air Force, US Army, and MIDS Program Office, as well as purchases for NATO nations under the Foreign Military Sales programme.
DLS is one of only two companies making MIDS JTRS, the other being L3Harris Technologies, which was last month also awarded an ID/IQ US$1 billion contract from the USN for the same systems.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![What lessons could Europe learn from air power use in Ukraine?]()
What lessons could Europe learn from air power use in Ukraine?
The use of air power by both sides in the ongoing conflict has been extensively focused on, influencing policy and procurement around the world. But are the lessons from the front line universally applicable, or should other nations be planning for very different scenarios?
-
![Paraguayan Air Force receives four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft]()
Paraguayan Air Force receives four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft
Six Super Tucano aircraft were ordered in July 2024, with Paraguay the fifth South American country to add the aircraft to modernise its fleet.
-
![Baykar completes Piaggio Aerospace takeover with plans to boost drone production]()
Baykar completes Piaggio Aerospace takeover with plans to boost drone production
The takeover of the Italian firm by Baykar solidifies the company’s efforts to forge closer ties with Italian industry, bolsters its partnership with Leonardo to produce UAVs and secures its foothold in Europe.
-
![US budget boosts Boeing’s F-15EX with $3.1 billion investment to increase fleet to 129]()
US budget boosts Boeing’s F-15EX with $3.1 billion investment to increase fleet to 129
The F-15EX Eagle II had already been singled out for further funding in January 2025, when it was chosen to replace the A-10 aircraft for the US National Guard.
-
![Spain earmarks $1.6 billion for Hurjet trainer aircraft acquisition]()
Spain earmarks $1.6 billion for Hurjet trainer aircraft acquisition
Spain’s Defence Minister told the Senate Defense Commission on 27 June of the decision to acquire Turkish Aerospace Industries’ (TAI) trainers as the country seeks to replace its Northrop F-5M aircraft.
-
![Leonardo’s Proteus structural tests “nearing completion” ahead of first flight]()
Leonardo’s Proteus structural tests “nearing completion” ahead of first flight
The company has tested over 15 mission sets for the drone, with the rotorcraft used to demonstrate the viability of armed forces utilising large uncrewed aerial systems’ (UAS) for autonomous missions in the future.
