Link 22 Developments: June 2025

Executive Summary: Recent advancements in Link 22, a secure digital radio system, have significantly enhanced military communication capabilities. Key developments include successful interoperability testing, strategic defense partnerships, and the integration of advanced technologies. These initiatives are set to improve situational awareness and operational coordination across NATO and allied forces.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22, a secure digital radio link operating in the HF and UHF frequency bands, is poised to replace the existing Link 11 system by 2025. This transition is driven by Link 22’s enhanced capabilities, including optimized information processing, higher data rates, and improved resistance to interference. The system’s dynamic time division multiple access (TDMA) mechanisms allow for rapid adaptation to changing communication structures during missions, ensuring secure and efficient data exchange among military units.

Source: Rohde & Schwarz, Naval Technology

Integration of New Technologies

Recent developments have focused on integrating advanced functionalities into Link 22 to facilitate collaborative combat in secure environments. Thales and Atos have been instrumental in developing these functionalities, which are expected to enhance decision-making speed on the battlefield. Additionally, the integration of the TopLink system allows for the management of tactical messages for airborne units using Link 16 and Joint Range Extension standards.

Source: Naval Technology

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

Link 22’s development has been a collaborative effort among seven NATO countries, with the United States acting as the host nation. The system’s deployment is governed by agreements with the NILE program management, ensuring that non-NATO countries can also benefit from its capabilities. The recent Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise demonstrated Link 22’s effectiveness, connecting ten platforms across seven nations and highlighting the system’s potential for enhancing interoperability and communication.

Source: DVIDS

News from Defense Contractors

Leonardo DRS has completed formal interoperability testing of its Link-22 Signal Processing Controller (SPC) within the NILE Link-22 Network. This achievement ensures full interoperability with NATO and allied partners, supporting operations and exercises in the INDOPACOM theater. The SPC’s compliance with Link-22 Block Cycle 9 specifications positions Leonardo DRS as a key player in the production and advancement of Link 22 technology.

Source: Military Embedded Systems

Training and Military Exercises

SCYTALYS has secured contracts to provide Link-22 connectivity and in-service support for Canada’s TIC3 Air Project. This initiative aims to enhance Canada’s tactical data link capabilities through comprehensive training sessions for operators and maintainers. The training will cover deployment, setup, operation, and maintenance, ensuring proficiency in using the new system. The project also includes the integration of a secure deployable Link-22 TDL system with existing and new infrastructure.

Source: Defense Arabia

Industry Conferences and Expert Insights

Rohde & Schwarz continues to play a pivotal role in the optimization and standardization of Link 22. The company actively participates in international conferences, workshops, and demonstrations, contributing to the system’s development and ensuring that customers receive optimal solutions for their radio applications. The company’s involvement in various NATO working groups underscores its commitment to advancing Link 22 technology.

Source: Rohde & Schwarz

Link 22 Developments: June 2025

Executive Summary: Recent advancements in Link 22 have focused on enhancing secure military communications through the integration of cutting-edge technologies and strategic defense partnerships. Key developments include the adoption of AI and machine learning for improved data processing and decision-making, as well as increased interoperability among allied forces. These initiatives are supported by significant investments from defense contractors and collaborative efforts in military training and exercises.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22 continues to evolve as a critical component of secure military communications, offering enhanced interoperability and data exchange capabilities among NATO and allied forces. Recent developments have emphasized the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies to improve real-time data processing and decision-making. These advancements aim to provide military units with a more robust and responsive communication framework, essential for modern warfare scenarios.

Source: Market Research Future, Industry Today

Integration of New Technologies

The integration of AI and ML into Link 22 systems is revolutionizing military communications by enabling predictive communication routing and enhanced threat assessment. This technological leap is complemented by the convergence of Link 22 with 5G and satellite-based systems, offering unprecedented speed, security, and global reach. These innovations are expected to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of military forces, ensuring secure and efficient communication across various domains.

Source: Market Research Future, Industry Today

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

Strategic partnerships and collaborations remain a cornerstone of Link 22’s development. The NILE (NATO Improved Link Eleven) program, which oversees Link 22, continues to foster cooperation among participating nations, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These partnerships are crucial for the ongoing enhancement of Link 22’s capabilities and the successful implementation of new technologies.

Source: Wikipedia, Canada Department of National Defence

News from Defense Contractors

Defense contractors such as Thales Group and Raytheon Technologies have been actively investing in research and development to advance Link 22’s capabilities. These companies are focusing on enhancing interoperability, increasing data throughput, and integrating satellite communication technologies. Their efforts are pivotal in maintaining the technological edge of Link 22 in the rapidly evolving landscape of military communications.

Source: Market Research Future, Industry Today

Training and Military Exercises

Comprehensive training programs are being implemented to ensure that military personnel are proficient in operating and maintaining Link 22 systems. These programs include detailed sessions on deployment, setup, operation, and maintenance, ensuring that operators and maintainers are well-equipped to handle the complexities of the system. Additionally, military exercises are being conducted to test and refine the operational capabilities of Link 22 in real-world scenarios.

Source: Defense Arabia

Industry Conferences

Industry conferences continue to play a vital role in the dissemination of knowledge and the exchange of ideas related to Link 22. These events provide a platform for defense experts, industry leaders, and military personnel to discuss the latest advancements, share insights, and explore future trends in secure military communications. The collaborative environment fostered by these conferences is instrumental in driving innovation and ensuring the continued evolution of Link 22.

Source: Industry Today

Link 22 Developments: June 2025

Executive Summary: Recent advancements in Link 22, a secure digital radio system, highlight significant progress in military communications technology. Key developments include enhanced interoperability, strategic defense partnerships, and successful military exercises demonstrating the system’s capabilities. These initiatives underscore the importance of Link 22 in modernizing tactical data link systems for NATO and allied forces.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22 continues to evolve as a critical component of secure military communications, offering beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) capabilities that interconnect air, surface, subsurface, and ground-based tactical data systems. The system’s ability to provide real-time data exchange and situational awareness across various military domains is pivotal for NATO and allied operations.

Recent interoperability testing by Leonardo DRS has confirmed the Link 22 Signal Processing Controller’s compliance with NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE) standards, ensuring seamless integration with allied partners. This development is crucial for maintaining robust communication channels during joint operations and exercises.

Source: Military Embedded Systems, August 20, 2021

Integration of New Technologies

Rohde & Schwarz has played a significant role in optimizing and standardizing Link 22, contributing to the development of interfaces for EPM UHF radios with frequency-hopping capabilities. These advancements enhance the system’s resilience against interference and ensure secure communications across different frequency bands.

Additionally, the integration of software-defined radios, such as the Rohde & Schwarz M3SR family, has demonstrated error-free operation with Link 22 modems, further solidifying the system’s reliability and adaptability in dynamic mission environments.

Source: Rohde & Schwarz

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

The NILE Project Management Office (PMO) has been instrumental in advancing Link 22’s capabilities through international collaboration. During the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 exercise, Link 22 successfully connected platforms across seven nations, showcasing its effectiveness in enhancing naval communication and interoperability.

SCYTALYS has secured contracts to provide Link 22 connectivity and in-service support for Canada’s TIC3 Air Project, marking a significant step in enhancing Canada’s tactical data link capabilities. This initiative includes comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure the system’s proficiency and reliability.

Source: Defense Arabia, DVIDS

Training, Military Exercises, and Industry Conferences

Link 22’s deployment during RIMPAC 2024 involved a multi-stage exercise, including preliminary tests, in-harbor phases, and tactical at-sea operations. These exercises demonstrated the system’s ability to maintain connectivity and operational readiness across diverse maritime environments.

Industry conferences and workshops continue to play a vital role in disseminating knowledge and best practices related to Link 22. These events foster collaboration among defense contractors, military personnel, and technology providers, driving further advancements in tactical data link systems.

Source: DVIDS, Military Embedded Systems

Conclusion

Link 22 represents a significant leap forward in secure military communications, offering enhanced interoperability, strategic partnerships, and cutting-edge technology integration. As NATO and allied forces continue to adopt and refine this system, Link 22 is poised to become a cornerstone of modern tactical data link capabilities, ensuring effective and secure communications in complex operational environments.

Link 22 Developments: June 2025

Executive Summary: Recent advancements in Link 22, a secure digital radio system, have significantly enhanced military communication capabilities. The integration of new technologies and strategic defense partnerships are driving improvements in interoperability and operational efficiency. Key developments include successful military exercises, training initiatives, and industry collaborations that underscore the system’s growing global adoption.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22, a tactical data link system, continues to evolve as a critical component of secure military communications. It offers beyond-line-of-sight capabilities, enabling seamless interconnection of air, surface, subsurface, and ground-based tactical data systems. This advancement is crucial for maintaining secure and reliable communications in complex operational environments.

Source: The Defense Post

Integration of New Technologies

The integration of advanced technologies into Link 22 has been a focal point for enhancing its capabilities. The system now supports higher data rates and improved network topology, allowing for more flexible and resilient communication structures. The use of dynamic time division multiple access (TDMA) mechanisms further enhances its adaptability during missions.

Source: Rohde & Schwarz

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

Link 22’s development and deployment have been bolstered by strategic partnerships among NATO countries and other allied nations. The NILE (NATO Improved Link Eleven) program has been instrumental in coordinating these efforts, ensuring interoperability and standardization across different military platforms. The program’s success is evident in the increasing number of nations adopting Link 22.

Source: DVIDS

News from Defense Contractors

Defense contractors like SCYTALYS have secured significant contracts to provide Link 22 connectivity and support. These contracts include the development and deployment of Link 22 systems, as well as comprehensive training and in-service support to ensure the systems remain up-to-date and effective.

Source: Defense Arabia

Training and Military Exercises

Training initiatives and military exercises have played a crucial role in demonstrating Link 22’s capabilities. Recent exercises have successfully connected multiple platforms across several nations, showcasing the system’s effectiveness in real-world scenarios. These exercises are vital for refining operational procedures and ensuring readiness.

Source: DVIDS

Industry Conferences

Industry conferences, such as MILSATCOM USA, provide a platform for discussing the future of military communications, including advancements in Link 22. These events bring together industry leaders and government officials to explore new technologies and strategies for enhancing military communication systems.

Source: SMG Conferences

Link 22 Developments: Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Executive Summary: Link 22, a NATO secure digital radio system, is enhancing military communications with improved interoperability and situational awareness. Recent developments include successful interoperability testing by Leonardo DRS and expanded deployment during international military exercises. These advancements underscore the strategic importance of Link 22 in modernizing defense communications and fostering international defense partnerships.

Introduction

Link 22, also known as NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE), is a tactical data link system designed to enhance secure communications among NATO and allied forces. It is intended to replace the older Link 11 system, offering improved data rates, network capacity, and security features. This report explores the latest advancements in Link 22, focusing on secure military communications, integration of new technologies, defense partnerships, and strategic initiatives.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22 provides beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications in the HF and UHF bands, enabling secure and reliable data exchange across various military platforms. Recent developments have focused on enhancing interoperability and situational awareness, crucial for modern military operations.

Leonardo DRS has successfully completed formal interoperability testing of its Link-22 Signal Processing Controller (SPC) within the 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’s next-generation hardware and software architecture, coupled with software-defined radio and modem technologies, offer enhanced capabilities while maintaining operational reliability.

Source: Defense Advancement

Integration of New Technologies

Link 22’s integration with advanced technologies is pivotal in meeting current and emerging mission requirements. The system’s dynamic time division multiple access (TDMA) mechanisms allow for quick adaptation to changing communication structures during missions. Additionally, the use of frequency-hopping capability in HF and UHF radios ensures secure communications, even in hostile environments.

Rohde & Schwarz has been instrumental in optimizing and standardizing Link 22, contributing to international conferences, workshops, and demonstrations. Their involvement ensures that customers receive optimal solutions for their radio applications, with existing radios being upgradeable to support Link 22, thus protecting previous investments.

Source: Rohde & Schwarz

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

Link 22’s development and deployment are the result of collaborative efforts among NATO countries and defense contractors. The system’s deployment during the RIMPAC exercise demonstrated its effectiveness in connecting multiple platforms across seven nations, marking a significant leap forward in tactical communication.

The NILE Technical Team’s achievements during these exercises highlight the transformative potential of Link 22 for communication and interoperability. Their efforts align with the strategic goals of Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (PEO C4I) and Command and Control Systems Program Office (PMW 150), ensuring naval forces are well-equipped for modern maritime operations.

Source: DVIDS Hub

Conclusion

Link 22 represents a significant advancement in secure military communications, offering enhanced interoperability, situational awareness, and strategic capabilities. The system’s successful integration and deployment underscore its importance in modernizing defense communications and fostering international defense partnerships. As Link 22 continues to evolve, it will play a crucial role in ensuring secure and reliable communications for NATO and allied forces.