US Space Force increases efforts to plug training capabilities gaps
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
The US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command has awarded a contract to Data Link Solutions (DLS) to provide Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS)-On-Ship (MOS) systems to the US Navy and other international naval forces, it was announced on 16 November.
Work on the $32 million, firm-fixed-price contract is expected to be completed by December 2017.
Under the contract, the company will deliver up to 12 MOS Lot Four production units for shipboard applications. The systems will equip command-and-control platforms with time-critical targeting and Blue Force Tracking.
The MOS Link 16 system is designed to increase situational awareness by providing secured, high-capacity, jam-resistant real time data exchange.
Jack Stevens, senior director, DLS, said: ‘The DLS MOS system elevates mission effectiveness by providing time-critical targeting information and heightened situational awareness for engaged platforms. As a premier manufacturer of shipboard Link 16 and provider of MIDS-LVT variants, DLS is committed to providing our warfighters with assured, protected access to the vital information they need to efficiently complete their missions anywhere in the world.’
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
The service has been conducting several acquisition and upgrading efforts involving artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve communication, data analysis and ISR systems.
The Syracuse 4B communications satellite, developed by Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, was launched last year, bolstering secure military satellite communications for the French Armed Forces. Thales has now been selected to provide terminals for vehicles.
The growing importance of space in modern warfare, advancements in satellite technology, and increasing threats from rivals like China and Russia were among the topics of a Eurosatory 2024 panel on military space operations.
AN/ARC-232A is a Starfire radio that provides VHF/UHF communications to airborne platforms and the transceiver is software-programmable, allowing for multiple waveform support as well as optional national electronic counter counter-measure (ECCM) capability.
During the 18-month period of the contract, Lockheed Martin will apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to create surrogate models of aircraft, sensors, electronic warfare and weapons within dynamic and operationally representative environments.