Link 22 Developments: March 2025

Executive Summary: Recent advancements in Link 22 have reinforced its position as a critical component in secure military communications. The integration of new technologies and strategic defense partnerships has enhanced interoperability and operational capabilities. Key industry players continue to support these initiatives through active participation in testing, standardization, and international defense collaborations.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22, a secure digital radio system, has continued to evolve as a pivotal component in military communications. The system offers beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) capabilities that interconnect air, surface, subsurface, and ground-based tactical data systems. Recent updates have focused on enhancing interoperability and security, ensuring that Link 22 remains a robust and reliable communication tool for NATO and allied forces. The system’s ability to exchange data, such as radar tracking information, is crucial for joint and coalition operations.

Source: Link 22 Developments

Integration of New Technologies

Recent technological advancements in Link 22 have focused on improving its anti-jamming capabilities and command efficiency. The system now supports faster communication transmissions, which are essential for real-time decision-making in complex operational environments. These enhancements are part of a broader effort to integrate next-generation hardware and software architectures, including software-defined radio and modem technologies.

Source: Military Embedded Systems

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

The Link 22 program, initially developed by seven NATO countries, continues to expand its reach through strategic partnerships and collaborations. The program’s goals include replacing the older Link 11 system, improving allied interoperability, and complementing Link 16. These efforts are supported by active participation from defense contractors like Rohde & Schwarz, who contribute to the optimization and standardization of Link 22 through international conferences and workshops.

Source: Defense Advancement

News from Defense Contractors

Rohde & Schwarz has been instrumental in the development and testing of Link 22, ensuring compatibility with various modem types and supporting upgrades for existing radio systems. Their collaboration with TELEFUNKEN RACOMS has led to the development of official NILE interfaces for UHF radios, further enhancing the system’s capabilities. Additionally, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions has announced Link 22 support for its suite of Tactical Data Link solutions, enhancing interoperability and capability for the US military and coalition partners.

Source: Rohde & Schwarz

Training, Military Exercises, and Industry Conferences

Link 22 has been tested extensively in real-world environments, with significant contributions from industry leaders in various international exercises. These tests have demonstrated the system’s ability to transmit real radar data over tactical data links, showcasing its potential in enhancing military operations. Additionally, industry conferences continue to serve as platforms for discussing advancements and strategic initiatives related to Link 22.

Source: Defense Advancement

Link 22 Developments: February 24 – March 02, 2025

Executive Summary: Recent advancements in Link 22, a secure digital radio system, highlight its growing role in enhancing interoperability and communication capabilities for NATO and allied forces. Key developments include the integration of Link 22 into various tactical data link solutions and defense systems, as well as strategic partnerships aimed at advancing military communications. These initiatives underscore the importance of Link 22 in modernizing defense operations and ensuring effective collaboration among military forces.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22, a NATO secure digital radio system, is designed to enhance interoperability among allied forces by enabling the exchange of tactical data across sea, air, land, and space platforms. It operates in the HF and UHF frequency bands, providing beyond-line-of-sight communications crucial for modern military operations. Recent developments have focused on replacing the older Link 11 system with Link 22, which offers improved real-time communication capabilities and adaptability to dynamic operational environments.

Source: Military Embedded Systems

Integration of New Technologies

Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions has announced the integration of Link 22 support into its suite of Tactical Data Link (TDL) solutions. This integration aims to enhance interoperability and capability for the US military and coalition partners. The addition of Link 22 to Curtiss-Wright’s TCG LinkPRO Tactical Data Link Processing Software and other systems eliminates the need for separate systems for TDL certification, streamlining operations and training.

Source: Defense Advancement

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

Thales and Atos are collaborating to advance Link 22 functionalities through Thales’s TopLink tactical datalink processor. This partnership, which began in 2009, aims to support the transition to collaborative combat in a secure environment. The integration of advanced Link 22 capabilities is expected to enhance the management of tactical messages and improve situational awareness for airborne units.

Source: Epicos

News from Defense Contractors

Leonardo DRS has successfully completed interoperability testing of its Link-22 Signal Processing Controller (SPC) within the NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE) Link-22 Network. This achievement demonstrates compliance with Link-22 Block Cycle 9 specifications, ensuring full interoperability with NATO and allied partners. The SPC is designed to meet current and emerging mission requirements, providing enhanced situational awareness and long-haul communications capabilities.

Source: Defense Advancement

Training, Military Exercises, and Industry Conferences

Link 22’s integration into various defense systems and tactical data link solutions is expected to play a significant role in upcoming military exercises and training programs. The system’s ability to provide real-time data and situational awareness will be crucial for effective mission planning and execution. Industry conferences continue to highlight the importance of Link 22 in modernizing military communications and enhancing interoperability among allied forces.

Conclusion

The recent developments in Link 22 underscore its critical role in advancing secure military communications and enhancing interoperability among NATO and allied forces. The integration of Link 22 into various defense systems and the strategic partnerships formed to advance its capabilities highlight the ongoing efforts to modernize military operations and ensure effective collaboration in the battlespace.