ViaSat receives MIDS JTRS contract

ViaSat will supply Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) to the US Navy and US Air Force (USAF) under a $88.3 million contract from the US Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR), the company announced on 26 June.

The MIDS JTRS has been designed to enhance battlefield communications for joint and coalition warfighters by providing the ability to communicate by voice, video and data with a line-of-sight, jam-resistant capability across ground, air and naval assets.

Under the Lot 5 and Lot 5a contracts, ViaSat will develop, field, and support interoperable, affordable and secure MIDS tactical data link and programmable networking technologies and capabilities for the joint, coalition and international warfighter. 

The MIDS JTRS terminal is a four-channel, software defined radio that delivers Link 16 communications with concurrent multi-netting-4 and tactical air navigation, as well as three channels for future growth. Contract-related work will be performed in Carlsbad, California, and Tempe, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by June 2019.

Ken Peterman, president of Government Systems at ViaSat, said: ‘These awards reflect our continuing commitment to provide outstanding value and timely delivery of Link 16 communications capability to the warfighter.’

‘The Lot 5 and Lot 5a awards underscore ViaSat's position as the leading provider of Link 16 airborne networking systems. The size of these awards will allow us to establish operational economies of scale that will further benefit customers in cost savings.’