Link 22 Developments: May 2025

Executive Summary: Recent advancements in Link 22, NATO’s secure digital radio system, have focused on enhancing interoperability and communication capabilities across various military platforms. Key developments include the integration of Link 22 into naval surveillance systems and the expansion of its support in tactical data link solutions. These initiatives are part of broader defense partnerships and strategic efforts to improve secure military communications and operational efficiency.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22, a secure digital radio system, continues to evolve as a critical component of NATO’s tactical communication infrastructure. Designed to replace the older Link 11 system, Link 22 offers enhanced interoperability and secure communication capabilities across air, surface, subsurface, and ground-based platforms. Its ability to provide beyond-line-of-sight communications in HF and UHF bands is a significant advancement, allowing for real-time data exchange and improved situational awareness.

Source: Military Embedded Systems, The Defense Post

Integration of New Technologies

Recent developments have seen the integration of Link 22 into advanced naval surveillance systems. For instance, NEXEYA France, a HENSOLDT company, has incorporated Link 22 into its LYNCEA combat management system. This integration enables the sharing and monitoring of tactical data using on-board sensors, enhancing decision-making and operational coordination. Additionally, the system’s modular architecture allows for adaptability across various ship types.

Source: Military Embedded Systems

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

Thales and Atos have continued their collaboration to develop advanced functionalities for the Link 22 system, building on their partnership since 2009. This collaboration leverages Atos’s expertise in datalink management and Thales’s experience in multi-link systems, aiming to enhance collaborative combat capabilities within NATO forces. Furthermore, the US has announced plans to assist Taiwan in upgrading its tactical data link system to Link 22, strengthening defense ties and improving Taiwan’s communication capabilities against potential threats.

Source: Naval Technology, The Defense Post

News from Defense Contractors

Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions has announced the inclusion of Link 22 support in its suite of Tactical Data Link (TDL) solutions. This addition enhances interoperability and capability for the US military and its allies, allowing for seamless integration and operation of Link 22 alongside other tactical data links such as Link 16 and Link 11. The company’s products are widely used for verification, training, and simulation of TDL integrations, providing a comprehensive solution for military communication needs.

Source: Defense Advancement

Training and Military Exercises

In the Indo-Pacific region, the French Navy has been actively testing Link 22 capabilities during deployments and exercises such as La Perouse 25 and Pacific Steller. These tests aim to validate the system’s performance and integration across French naval and aerial platforms. Additionally, SCYTALYS has secured contracts to provide Link 22 connectivity and support for Canada’s TIC3 Air Project, including comprehensive training sessions for operators and maintainers to ensure proficiency in using the new system.

Source: The Aviationist, Defense Arabia

Industry Conferences and Expert Insights

Industry experts highlight the strategic importance of Link 22 in modern military operations, emphasizing its role in enhancing command efficiency and communication security. The system’s advanced anti-jamming capabilities and automatic grouping functions are particularly noted for improving operational effectiveness in contested environments. As defense contractors and military organizations continue to invest in Link 22, its adoption is expected to grow, further solidifying its position as a cornerstone of NATO’s tactical communication strategy.

Source: The Defense Post, The Aviationist

Link 22 Developments: May 2025

Executive Summary: Recent advancements in the Link 22 tactical datalink system have significantly enhanced secure military communications across NATO and allied forces. The integration of new technologies and strategic partnerships are driving improvements in interoperability and anti-jamming capabilities. Defense contractors are actively involved in testing and deploying Link 22, with a focus on training and military exercises to ensure operational readiness.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22, the secure digital radio system, is set to replace the older Link 11 system by 2025, offering enhanced communication capabilities for NATO naval forces. Operating in the HF and UHF frequency bands, Link 22 facilitates real-time communication and situational adaptability, crucial for effective mission execution. The system’s ability to provide Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communication is a significant upgrade, allowing for seamless data exchange across various platforms, including sea, air, and land domains.

Source: Epicos

Integration of New Technologies

Thales and Atos are collaborating to enhance the Link 22 functionalities within Thales’s TopLink tactical datalink processor. This partnership, which began in 2009, aims to deliver a robust and competitive solution by leveraging Atos’s expertise in datalink management and Thales’s experience in multi-link systems. The integration of Link 22 into existing systems like TopLink ensures that naval and airborne units can effectively manage tactical messages using multiple standards, including Link 16 and Joint Range Extension.

Source: Epicos

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

The Link 22 project involves seven NATO member nations, including the US, UK, France, Canada, Germany, Italy, and Spain. This collaboration underscores the strategic importance of Link 22 in enhancing interoperability and communication efficiency among allied forces. The system’s development, known as the NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE), addresses the limitations of Link 11 and complements Link 16 by providing superior anti-jamming capabilities and faster data transmission.

Source: The Aviationist

News from Defense Contractors

Leonardo DRS has successfully completed interoperability testing of its Link-22 Signal Processing Controller, ensuring compliance with Block Cycle 9 specifications. This achievement highlights Leonardo DRS’s commitment to providing world-class communication solutions that meet current and emerging mission requirements. Similarly, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions has announced Link 22 support for its tactical data link solutions, enhancing interoperability and capability for the US military and coalition partners.

Source: Defense Advancement

Source: Defense Advancement

Training, Military Exercises, and Industry Conferences

The French Navy has been actively testing Link 22 capabilities during its Indo-Pacific deployment, including exercises such as La Perouse 25 and Pacific Steller. These tests are crucial for validating the system’s performance and ensuring its readiness for operational deployment. The ongoing evaluation of Link 22 across various platforms is a testament to its strategic importance in modern military operations.

Source: The Aviationist

Link 22 Developments: April 28, 2025 – May 04, 2025

Executive Summary

Recent advancements in Link 22 have reinforced its role as a cornerstone in secure military communications, with significant improvements in interoperability and operational efficiency. The integration of cutting-edge technologies and strategic defense partnerships has been pivotal in enhancing its 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.

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.

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

Link 22’s development has been bolstered by strategic defense partnerships and international collaborations. The system’s deployment during the RIMPAC exercise demonstrated its capability to connect multiple platforms across seven nations, showcasing its interoperability and effectiveness in joint military operations. This success underscores the growing importance of Link 22 in global defense strategies.

News from Defense Contractors

Defense contractors have been instrumental in the development and testing of Link 22, ensuring compatibility with various modem types and supporting upgrades for existing radio systems. Companies like Rohde & Schwarz and Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions have announced support for Link 22 within their suite of Tactical Data Link solutions, enhancing interoperability and capability for the US military and coalition partners.

Training, Military Exercises, and Industry Conferences

Recent military exercises and industry conferences have highlighted the capabilities of Link 22. During the RIMPAC exercise, Link 22 successfully connected multiple platforms across several nations, demonstrating its effectiveness in advancing tactical communication. These events provide a platform for defense leaders to share insights and explore new opportunities for collaboration and technological integration.

Sources

• Link 22 Developments: March 2025
• Link 22 Developments: March 31, 2025 – April 06, 2025
• NATO Tactical Datalink Integrated into Naval Combat Management System
• NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE) Program and Link 22 Enhance Interoperability during the Rim of the Pacific Exercise