Link 22 Developments: August 19-25, 2024

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in Link 22, a secure digital radio system used for military communications, announced between August 19 and August 25, 2024. The report covers advancements in secure military communications, integration of new technologies, defense partnerships, and strategic initiatives. It also highlights news from defense contractors, training, military exercises, and industry conferences.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22 continues to be a critical component in enhancing secure military communications. The system, which operates in the HF and UHF bands, provides beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications and is designed to interconnect air, surface, subsurface, and ground-based tactical data systems. Recent developments have focused on improving interoperability and situational awareness across the battle space.

Leonardo DRS announced the successful completion of interoperability testing for its Link-22 Signal Processing Controller (SPC) within the NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE) Link-22 Network. This compliance ensures full interoperability with all NATO and allied partners, supporting operations and exercises in the INDOPACOM theater.

Source: Leonardo DRS

Integration of New Technologies

Recent advancements in Link 22 technology have focused on integrating next-generation hardware and software architectures. Leonardo DRS has emphasized the use of software-defined radio and modem technologies to enhance capabilities while maintaining operational reliability. The company’s Link-22 SPC solution is designed to accept additional missions due to its abundance of spare memory and processing power.

Source: Leonardo DRS

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

Defense partnerships and strategic initiatives have been pivotal in the deployment and enhancement of Link 22. The U.S. State Department approved a $75 million sale of the Advanced Tactical Data Link System Upgrade Planning and related equipment to Taiwan. This upgrade includes the transition from Link 16 to Link 22, offering greater range and a direct connection to the U.S. military.

Source: The Defense Post

News from Defense Contractors

Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions announced the addition of Link 22 support to its suite of Tactical Data Link (TDL) solutions. This enhancement aims to deliver greater interoperability and capability to the U.S. military and coalition partners. The new Link 22 capability is now available with Curtiss-Wright’s TCG LinkPRO Tactical Data Link Processing Software, TCG Ground Tactical Data Link System, and TCG Battlefield Operations Support System.

Source: Curtiss-Wright

Training and Military Exercises

Training and military exercises continue to play a crucial role in the deployment and operational readiness of Link 22 systems. Curtiss-Wright demonstrated the new Link 22 capabilities and interoperability at the International Data Link Symposium (IDLS) 2022 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. These demonstrations included updates to current tactical data links and took place both in the main room at the Curtiss-Wright booth and in the Military Demonstration area.

Source: Curtiss-Wright

Industry Conferences

Industry conferences such as the International Data Link Symposium (IDLS) provide a platform for showcasing advancements in Link 22 technology. These events facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among defense contractors, military personnel, and industry experts. The demonstrations and discussions at these conferences help drive the continuous improvement and adoption of Link 22 systems.

Source: Curtiss-Wright

Expert Insights

Chris Wiltsey, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions, highlighted the increased interest in Link 22 TDL capabilities from the U.S. Department of Defense and allied forces. He emphasized that the addition of Link 22 support means that customers can use the same superior user interface they trust for Link 22 integration programs. For simulation applications, Curtiss-Wright is offering best-in-class simulation and training tools to the Link 22 community.

Source: Defense Advancement

Conclusion

The recent developments in Link 22 technology underscore its importance in enhancing secure military communications and interoperability among NATO and allied forces. The integration of new technologies, strategic defense partnerships, and continuous training and exercises are pivotal in maintaining the operational readiness and effectiveness of Link 22 systems. As defense contractors and military forces continue to collaborate and innovate, Link 22 will remain a cornerstone of secure tactical data communications.

Link 22 Developments: August 12-18, 2024

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in Link 22, a secure digital radio system, announced between August 12 and August 18, 2024. The report covers advancements in secure military communications, integration of new technologies, defense partnerships, and strategic initiatives. It also highlights news from defense contractors, training, military exercises, and industry conferences.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22 continues to be a critical component in enhancing secure military communications. The system, which provides beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications in the HF and UHF bands, has seen significant updates aimed at improving interoperability and capability for the U.S. military and its coalition partners.

Recent developments have focused on integrating advanced encryption techniques and improving anti-jamming capabilities. These enhancements are designed to ensure secure and reliable communications even in contested environments.

Source: The Defense Post

Integration of New Technologies

Leonardo DRS has announced the successful completion of interoperability testing for its Link 22 Signal Processing Controller (SPC). The SPC utilizes next-generation hardware and software architecture, including software-defined radio and modem technologies, to offer enhanced capabilities while maintaining operational reliability.

This integration allows for simultaneous operations of multiple tactical data links, including Link 22, Link 16, Link 11, VMF, SADL, and JREAP, thereby eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing the complexity of user interfaces.

Source: Military Embedded Systems

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

Defense contractors like Curtiss-Wright and Leonardo DRS have been at the forefront of developing and deploying Link 22 solutions. Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division has integrated Link 22 support into its TCG product line, which includes the TCG LinkPRO Tactical Data Link Processing Software, TCG Ground Tactical Data Link System (GTS), and TCG Battlefield Operations Support System (BOSS).

These initiatives are aimed at enhancing interoperability and capability for the U.S. military and its allies, ensuring that they can operate seamlessly across different platforms and domains.

Source: Curtiss-Wright

Training and Military Exercises

Recent military exercises have demonstrated the capabilities of Link 22 in real-world scenarios. These exercises have highlighted the system’s ability to provide situational awareness and secure communications across air, surface, subsurface, and ground-based tactical data systems.

Training programs have also been updated to include the latest Link 22 capabilities, ensuring that military personnel are well-versed in using the system effectively. These programs focus on verification, training, and simulation of TDL integrations, as well as operational deployments.

Source: Defense Advancement

Industry Conferences

The International Data Link Symposium (IDLS) 2022, held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, featured demonstrations of the new Link 22 capabilities and interoperability. Curtiss-Wright showcased updates to current tactical data links and provided insights into the future of secure military communications.

These conferences serve as a platform for industry leaders to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and explore new opportunities in the field of tactical data links.

Source: Curtiss-Wright Press Release

Expert Insights

Chris Wiltsey, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions, emphasized the importance of Link 22 in modern military operations. He noted that the addition of Link 22 support across the TCG product family provides a superior user interface and best-in-class simulation and training tools for the Link 22 community.

Larry Ezell, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Leonardo DRS Airborne and Intelligence Systems, highlighted the company’s commitment to providing fully-compliant Link 22 solutions that meet current and emerging mission requirements. He stressed the importance of long-haul communications and situational awareness for U.S. and allied forces.

Source: Defense Advancement

Conclusion

The advancements in Link 22 technology between August 12 and August 18, 2024, underscore the ongoing efforts to enhance secure military communications. The integration of new technologies, strategic defense partnerships, and comprehensive training programs are pivotal in ensuring that Link 22 remains a critical asset for the U.S. military and its allies.

As the defense landscape continues to evolve, the importance of secure, reliable, and interoperable communication systems like Link 22 cannot be overstated. These developments highlight the commitment of defense contractors and military organizations to maintaining a technological edge in modern warfare.