SPAWAR awards MIDS JTRS contract
The US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) has awarded a contract to Data Link Solutions (DLS) to provide Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS JTRS) terminals, it was announced on 18 June.
DLS, a BAE Systems-Rockwell Collins joint venture, received an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract worth up to $478.6 million for production, development and sustainment of the MIDS JTRS terminals. Work under the contract is expected to run through June 2020.
The MIDS JTRS provides voice, video and data links communications over a jam-resistant, line-of-sight channel to ground, naval and air command. It is a single-chassis, multiple-channel radio that can transform a MIDS terminal into a four-channel JTRS radio to maintain tactical air navigation and Link 16 functionality.
The SPAWAR contract is expected to combine the purchases for the US Navy, and potentially other services of the US armed forces, and international countries under foreign military sales.
Jack Stevens, director, DLS, said: 'MIDS JTRS is a force enabler providing the allied warfighter tomorrow's technology today. This contract enables DLS to continue its leadership position in Link 16 airborne networking and provides soldiers with the latest certified, reprogrammable, software-defined radio architecture for tactical data links.'
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