Link 22 Developments: October 2024

Executive Summary: Recent advancements in Link 22 technology have significantly enhanced secure military communications, offering improved interoperability and situational awareness across various domains. Key developments include successful interoperability testing by Leonardo DRS and expanded capabilities by Curtiss-Wright, which are set to bolster defense partnerships and strategic initiatives among NATO and allied forces. These advancements are crucial for maintaining robust communication networks in complex operational environments.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22, a secure digital radio system operating in the HF and UHF bands, continues to evolve as a critical component of military communications. It provides beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) capabilities, enabling seamless data exchange across air, surface, subsurface, and ground-based tactical systems. Recent updates have focused on enhancing interoperability and expanding the system’s operational scope.

Source: Wikipedia

Integration of New Technologies

Leonardo DRS has completed formal interoperability testing of its Link-22 Signal Processing Controller (SPC) within the NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE) Network. This testing ensures compliance with Link-22 Block Cycle 9 specifications, positioning the SPC for current and emerging mission requirements. The successful integration of these technologies underscores the system’s readiness to support complex military operations globally.

Source: Military Embedded Systems

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

The Link 22 program, initially developed by seven NATO nations, continues to strengthen defense partnerships through enhanced communication capabilities. The system’s ability to interoperate with Link 16 and replace Link 11 addresses previous deficiencies and supports NATO’s strategic objectives. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of multinational cooperation in advancing military technology.

Source: Wikipedia

News from Defense Contractors

Curtiss-Wright has announced the addition of Link 22 support to its Tactical Data Link (TDL) solutions, including the TCG LinkPRO and Ground Tactical Data Link System. This enhancement provides greater interoperability and capability to the U.S. military and coalition partners, eliminating the need for separate systems and simplifying user interfaces for TDL certification programs.

Source: Defense Advancement

Training, Military Exercises, and Industry Conferences

The 2024 Security Cooperation Conference, organized by the Defense Security Cooperation University, emphasized the need for deepening alliances and partnerships to enhance security cooperation outcomes. Discussions focused on evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and the importance of adapting U.S. security cooperation strategies to better meet partner needs.

Source: Defense Security Cooperation University

Expert Insights

Experts highlight the strategic importance of Link 22 in maintaining robust communication networks in increasingly complex operational environments. The system’s ability to provide secure, reliable communications across multiple domains is crucial for situational awareness and mission success. As defense technologies continue to advance, Link 22’s role in supporting NATO and allied operations will likely expand further.

Link 22 Developments: October 14-20, 2024

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22, a secure digital radio system, continues to evolve as a critical component in military communications. Recent advancements have focused on enhancing the system’s encryption capabilities and interoperability with existing systems like Link 16. Raytheon has been at the forefront, providing the Link Level Communication Security 7M (LLC 7M) encryptor, which is certified by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) for Type 1 encryption. This ensures the protection of military information transmitted over the Link 22 network, which is crucial for secure communications in joint and allied operations.

Source: Military Aerospace

Integration of New Technologies

Thales and Atos have collaborated to develop advanced functionalities for the Link 22 system, enhancing its capabilities for real-time communication and situational adaptability. These advancements are designed to facilitate collaborative combat in a secure environment, leveraging the system’s ability to operate in HF and UHF frequency bands. The integration of software-defined radio and modem technologies by Leonardo DRS further enhances the system’s performance, ensuring it meets current and future mission requirements.

Source: Naval Technology

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

The Link 22 program is a collaborative effort among several NATO nations, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This partnership aims to replace the legacy Link 11 system by 2025, providing a more robust and secure communication framework for NATO and allied forces. The system’s adoption by over 30 allied nations is anticipated, reflecting its strategic importance in enhancing joint operational capabilities.

Source: Wikipedia

News from Defense Contractors

Raytheon has secured a $32 million contract from the U.S. Navy for the production of next-generation encryption devices, with a potential extension to $63 million. This contract underscores the company’s role in delivering secure communication solutions across various military platforms. Leonardo DRS has also made significant contributions with its Link-22 Signal Processing Controller, which has successfully completed interoperability testing, ensuring seamless integration across domains and platforms.

Source: Intelligence Community News

Training, Military Exercises, and Industry Conferences

The ongoing development and deployment of Link 22 are supported by extensive training and military exercises aimed at maximizing its operational effectiveness. Industry conferences, such as the Security Cooperation Conference organized by the Defense Security Cooperation University, continue to emphasize the importance of international partnerships and the integration of emerging technologies in defense strategies.

Source: Defense Security Cooperation University

Expert Insights

Experts highlight the strategic advantage of Link 22 in providing beyond-line-of-sight communications without reliance on satellites, which is crucial in contested environments. The system’s enhanced anti-jamming capabilities are particularly significant in countering potential threats from adversaries like China, as noted by defense analysts.

Source: The Defense Post

Conclusion

Link 22 represents a significant leap forward in secure military communications, offering enhanced capabilities and interoperability for NATO and allied forces. As defense contractors continue to innovate and integrate new technologies, the system is poised to play a pivotal role in future military operations, ensuring secure and reliable communications across the battlespace.

Link 22 Developments: October 07-13, 2024

Introduction

Link 22, a secure digital radio system used by NATO and allied military forces, continues to evolve with new technological integrations and strategic partnerships. This report covers the latest advancements in Link 22 from October 07 to October 13, 2024, focusing on secure military communications, integration of new technologies, defense partnerships, and strategic initiatives.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22 is a critical component in enhancing joint and coalition communications across various military domains, including air, surface, subsurface, and land. Recent developments have focused on improving situational awareness and data exchange capabilities beyond line of sight (BLOS).

Leonardo DRS has successfully completed interoperability testing of its Link-22 Signal Processing Controller (SPC) within the NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE) network. This achievement ensures full interoperability with NATO and allied partners, supporting operations in the Indo-Pacific Command theater. The SPC is compliant with Link-22 Block Cycle 9 specifications, positioning it for current and emerging mission requirements.

Source: Seapower Magazine

Integration of New Technologies

Leonardo DRS continues to invest in Link-22 technology, leveraging next-generation hardware and software architectures. The use of software-defined radio and modem technologies enhances capabilities while maintaining operational reliability. The company’s SPC solution is designed to accommodate additional missions due to its spare memory and processing power.

Source: Epicos

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

The integration of Link 22 into tactical data link systems is a strategic initiative to enhance interoperability among U.S. military and coalition partners. Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions has announced the addition of Link 22 support to its TCG product line, which includes the TCG LinkPRO Tactical Data Link Processing Software, TCG Ground Tactical Data Link System, and TCG Battlefield Operations Support System. This integration eliminates the need for separate systems for TDL certification programs, streamlining operations and training.

Source: Defense Advancement

Training, Military Exercises, and Industry Conferences

Curtiss-Wright’s products are widely used for verification, training, and simulation of TDL integrations. The company demonstrated the new Link 22 capabilities and interoperability at the International Data Link Symposium (IDLS) 2022 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. These demonstrations highlighted updates to current tactical data links and showcased the seamless integration of Link 22 with other systems.

Source: Curtiss-Wright Press Release

Conclusion

The recent advancements in Link 22 technology underscore the ongoing efforts to enhance secure military communications and interoperability among NATO and allied forces. The integration of new technologies and strategic partnerships continues to position Link 22 as a vital component in modern military operations, ensuring robust and reliable communications across multiple domains.

Link 22 Developments: Secure Military Communications

Introduction

Link 22, a secure digital radio system developed by NATO countries, continues to evolve as a critical component of military communications. This report highlights the latest advancements in Link 22 technology, integration efforts, defense partnerships, and strategic initiatives announced between September 30, 2024, and October 06, 2024.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22 is designed to enhance secure communications for naval forces, providing beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) capabilities without relying on satellites. Recent developments have focused on improving the system’s robustness in challenging radio frequency (RF) conditions. Enhanced coding and modulation techniques have been implemented to maintain connectivity, albeit with a trade-off in throughput.

Source: Rohde & Schwarz, LinkedIn

Integration of New Technologies

Rohde & Schwarz has been at the forefront of integrating Link 22 with their software-defined radios, ensuring compatibility with various modem types. The company’s M3SR family of radios, including the R&S Series 4100 HF and R&S Series 4400 UHF radios, have been successfully tested for error-free operation with Link 22. This integration protects customer investments by allowing existing radios to be upgraded to support Link 22.

Source: Rohde & Schwarz

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

The NILE (NATO Improved Link Eleven) program, which oversees Link 22 development, continues to expand its reach. Deliveries to non-NILE nations are managed through agreements with the NILE Program Management Office. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance interoperability among NATO and allied forces.

Source: Rohde & Schwarz

News from Defense Contractors

Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions has announced the integration of Link 22 support into its Tactical Data Link (TDL) solutions. This integration aims to provide greater interoperability and capability to the US military and its coalition partners. The addition of Link 22 to Curtiss-Wright’s product line simplifies TDL certification programs and user interface management.

Source: Defense Advancement

Training, Military Exercises, and Industry Conferences

Link 22 has been a focal point in various international conferences and workshops, where Rohde & Schwarz actively participates to contribute to the standardization and optimization of the system. These events provide a platform for sharing insights and advancements in tactical data link technologies.

Source: Rohde & Schwarz

Expert Insights

Experts emphasize the importance of Link 22 in modern military operations, particularly in environments where satellite communications are compromised. The system’s ability to adapt to changing communication structures and maintain secure links is crucial for mission success.

Source: LinkedIn

Conclusion

Link 22 continues to be a pivotal element in secure military communications, with ongoing advancements and integrations enhancing its capabilities. The collaboration between defense contractors and NATO countries ensures that Link 22 remains at the cutting edge of tactical data link technology.

References

• Rohde & Schwarz
• LinkedIn
• Defense Advancement