BATS-D receives NSA Type 1 certification
Viasat’s Battlefield Awareness and Targeting System-Dismounted (BATS-D) handheld Link 16 radio has received Type 1 National Security Agency (NSA) certification, the company announced on 4 December.
The radio, designated AN/PRC-161 by the US Department of Defense, is designed to enable direct, digital communications between a dismounted joint terminal attack controller and close air support aircraft. It provides direct access to a line of sight tactical datalink network for aircraft and ships in a handheld unit.
The radio is field compliant for the Link 16 Cryptographic Modernisation Initiative (CMI) mandate, and is natively certified for CMI as part of its initial certification.
As part of the certification process the radio's interoperability with other Link 16 radios was tested, including the Multi-functional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System and the KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminal.
Ken Peterman, president, government systems, Viasat, said: ‘This is a testament to our Link 16 radio innovation, our agile development process, our focus on advanced crypto solutions and our decision to bring a commercial model to the defence market.
‘We have certified BATS-D units available today to support US and overseas contingency operations immediately, enabling us to ship product today without any wait.’
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