Viasat launched new BATS-D configuration
Manufacturer eyes new applications and expanded CONOPS for in-service Link 16 battlefield radio
Viasat has released a new advanced configuration of its handheld Link 16 Battlefield Awareness and Targeting System – Dismounted (BATS-D) radio.
This latest version of BATS-D (known also by its US military designation AN/PRC-161) has already been certified by the National Security Agency (NSA) for immediate use by US and allied forces, including Five Eyes (FVEY) partners.
New security features have been added ‘to address emerging and expanded threats associated with the diverse operational use cases and new deployment scenarios where the radio will be utilised,’ Viasat noted in a 7 October announcement .
Andy Kessler, VP and business area director in the Next Generation Tactical Data Links business at Viasat, said: ‘We've seen tremendous interest to extend the use of the BATS-D radios to new applications and expanded concepts of operation that address specific needs and capability gaps of US and international FVEY armed forces.’
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