BAE Systems and RTX’s Collins Aerospace joint venture Data Link Solutions has secured a $248 million contract from the U.S. Navy to supply Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System, or MIDS JTRS, terminals.
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What Are the MIDS JTRS Contract Details?
The contract covers the production of hundreds of MIDS JTRS terminals for U.S. forces and allied nations, BAE Systems said Wednesday. The joint venture will perform work on the MIDS JTRS program in Wayne, New Jersey, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
“With increased production capacity, we will provide hundreds of MIDS JTRS radio terminals for more than 45 U.S. and international platform types, including unmanned aerial vehicles and armored C2 ground vehicles,” said Brian Shadiack, director of Data Link Solutions.
What Is MIDS JTRS?
MIDS JTRS is a four-channel, software-defined radio that supports the Link 16 waveform and additional communication protocols. It enables jam-resistant, line-of-sight voice, video and data communications, allowing joint forces to exchange real-time tactical data.
What Capabilities Does MIDS JTRS Offer?
The platform is designed to enhance situational awareness by sharing position, targeting and mission data across platforms, helping warfighters make faster, better-informed decisions in contested environments. Aside from Link 16 compatibility, the system incorporates Tactical Targeting Networking Technology, which delivers low-latency, high-throughput connectivity designed to maintain network performance in contested environments.
The Department of War is fielding MIDS JTRS across multiple air, maritime and ground platforms, including the F-15, F-16, F/A-18 and F-22 aircraft, as well as command-and-control systems.
Other Navy Contracts Awarded to Data Link Solutions
The Navy awarded Data Link Solutions a contract in January 2024 to supply FireNet Link 16 tactical systems that support Joint All-Domain Command and Control operations. In June 2024, the joint venture secured a separate potential five-year, $999 million contract to deliver and sustain Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System terminals.
