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
More from Air Warfare
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight
The Swedish government is expected to make a decision on the next steps of the Future Fighter System Concept programme by 2030, with the current second phase focusing on technology knowledge expansion and demonstration flights.
-
![Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities
In the wake of its 1,842% year-on-year revenue increase in Q4 2025, Red Cat sees mass opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region as the company eyes an ongoing production increase and market growth.
-
![India confronts widening military helicopter gap as border demands intensify]()
India confronts widening military helicopter gap as border demands intensify
India’s major helicopter programmes are under the spotlight as the country turns to global partners to replace legacy helicopters with growing urgency.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing’s MQ-28A targets key 2028 date as Block II ground tests begin]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing’s MQ-28A targets key 2028 date as Block II ground tests begin
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat is the most mature CCA platform currently under development, with Boeing looking to accelerate its timelines and development of the aircraft.
-
![Latin American air forces look beyond fighters to revamp transport aircraft fleets]()
Latin American air forces look beyond fighters to revamp transport aircraft fleets
The Mexican Air Force has become the first Latin American operator of the C-130J Super Hercules, but the service is not alone in acquiring a tactical airlifter in recent months.
