Viasat surges Link 16 radio production

Viasat is increasing Link 16 tactical data link radio production to more than 200 units per month, so as to meet existing demand and pending orders from the DoD and international defence customers, the US-based company announced on 26 January.

A surge in interest is ‘seen most dominantly in Viasat's newest Link 16 radio product line, BATS-E [Battlefield Awareness Targeting System - Embedded]’, it added.

BATS-E provides network connectivity and access for a variety of unmanned platforms to view, relay and share situational awareness data for more accurate tracking, identification and engagement.

Viasat added that it plans to make 25 BATS-E radios per month to meet near-term demand ‘with an ability to go significantly higher if demand requires’.

The company claims to have delivered more than 5,000 Link tactical data link radios worldwide to date. Other Link 16 radios in production include the AN/PRC-161 Battlefield Awareness Targeting System-Dismounted handheld unit and KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminal.

Ken Peterman, president of Viasat Government Systems, argued that future-proofed and cryptographically secure Link 16 products can be delivered ‘significantly faster, with lower lifecycle costs and lower risk’ to the defence customer when compared to traditional acquisition programmes and timelines.

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