BAE Systems awarded contract to enhance capability of Finnish Air Force
BAE Systems has been awarded a contract to provide a Link 16 network management system to the Finnish Air Force. Supporting the operation of Finland's F-18 aircraft, the system will enable ground command and control operators to connect to, and maintain contact with, their fast jets across the entire country. BAE Systems will work in partnership with Rockwell Collins, the prime contractor and team leader for the Ground Station programme.
Under the contract, BAE Systems will provide all the software to set up the infrastructure, configure and control the various remote sites and configure and manage the Link 16 network. BAE Systems will also provide a simulation environment which that will provide the Finnish Air Force with the ability to participate in high fidelity collaborative training exercises whilst still supporting live operations.
Built upon a set of proven systems the network management system provides a low risk, innovative solution to meet the complex operational requirements of the Finnish Air Force, along with the challenges of the terrain and environment in which the system will operate.
The Link 16 network management solution offered by BAE Systems allows the Finnish Air Force to dynamically monitor the connectivity between the various ground sites and the aircraft, and to continuously measure how the network is performing to maintain an uninterrupted service.
Paul Burke BAE Systems Business Director said: "We are delighted to be part of the team delivering this capability as we have unparalleled experience in the provision of complex data link network management and support systems. The solution for the Finnish Air Force is based on systems successfully delivered by us to the UK MOD that allow monitoring and management of the UK's Link 16 network, achieving greater than 99% reliability over the period since their introduction."
Source: BAE Systems
More from Digital Battlespace
-
British Army’s ISR commander warns of new challenges facing defence forces
The race between using ISR and resisting the use of it by enemies has accelerated, leading to new methods and systems being required, according to the British Army’s lead on its ISR efforts.
-
Jacobs wins MoD cyber-security support contract
The deal with Jacobs will run until November 2027 and will see the company deliver a range of digital and IT specialist professional services to Defence Digital.
-
Orbit upgrades two multi-purpose terminals and carries out land testing
The communications company has upgraded two of its Beyond Line-of-Sight Multi-Purpose Terminals (MBTs) by introducing advancements in satellite communication technology and AI-driven maintenance capabilities.
-
Norway to receive maritime surveillance satellite data from Kongsberg
Norway's Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace has announced that its subsidiary Kongsberg NanoAvionics will produce three satellites and launch them in 2025.
-
First South Korean 425 Project observation satellite launched
In 2015, South Korea named a consortium of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Systems, along with Thales Alenia Space providing the SAR payload derived from its HE-R1000 product, as preferred bidder to develop new Korea 425 Project reconnaissance satellites.