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

Link 22 Developments: April 2025

Executive Summary: Recent advancements in Link 22 have reinforced its role as a cornerstone in secure military communications. The integration of cutting-edge technologies and strategic defense partnerships has enhanced its capabilities, ensuring robust interoperability and operational efficiency. 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, continues to evolve as a pivotal component in military communications, offering 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

The integration of new technologies into Link 22 has been a focal point, with efforts aimed at improving anti-jamming capabilities and command efficiency. The system now supports faster communication transmissions, which are crucial for real-time decision-making in complex operational environments. These enhancements are part of a broader effort to incorporate next-generation hardware and software architectures, including software-defined radio and modem technologies.

Source: Link 22 Developments

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

The Link 22 program, initially developed by seven NATO countries, continues to expand through strategic partnerships and collaborations. Efforts to replace the older Link 11 system and complement Link 16 are supported by active participation from defense contractors. These initiatives aim to improve allied interoperability and are bolstered by international conferences and workshops.

Source: Link 22 Developments

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.

Source: Link 22 Developments

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.

Source: Link 22 Developments

Link 22 Developments: April 2025

Executive Summary: Recent advancements in Link 22 have reinforced its critical role in secure military communications, enhancing interoperability and operational efficiency across NATO and allied forces. The integration of cutting-edge technologies and strategic defense partnerships continues to drive these developments. Key industry players are actively participating in testing, standardization, and international collaborations to support these initiatives.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22, a NATO secure digital radio system, has undergone significant advancements aimed at enhancing its beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) capabilities. These improvements are crucial for interconnecting air, surface, subsurface, and ground-based tactical data systems, thereby supporting joint and coalition operations. The system’s ability to exchange real-time data, such as radar tracking information, is pivotal for maintaining situational awareness and operational efficiency.

Integration of New Technologies

The integration of next-generation hardware and software architectures, including software-defined radio and modem technologies, has been a focal point in recent Link 22 developments. These enhancements support faster communication transmissions, which are essential for real-time decision-making. The system’s ability to operate independently of satellite or airborne relays further strengthens its reliability in diverse operational scenarios.

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

Link 22 developments have been bolstered by strategic defense partnerships and international collaborations. These efforts underscore the system’s critical role in modern military operations. For instance, SCYTALYS has secured contracts to provide Link-22 connectivity and in-service support for Canada’s TIC3 Air Project, enhancing tactical data link capabilities and supporting a Recognized Air Picture (RAP) through modern Link-22 networks.

News from Defense Contractors

Rohde & Schwarz, in collaboration with TELEFUNKEN RACOMS, has been instrumental in developing official NILE interfaces for UHF radios, enhancing Link 22’s capabilities. Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions has announced support for Link 22 within its suite of Tactical Data Link solutions, further improving interoperability for the US military and coalition partners.

Training, Military Exercises, and Industry Conferences

Link 22 has been extensively tested 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.

Sources

• Link 22 Weekly News
• Naval Technology
• The Aviationist
• DVIDS Hub
• Defense Arabia

Link 22 Developments: April 2025

Executive Summary: Recent advancements in Link 22 have further solidified its role as a cornerstone in secure military communications. The integration of cutting-edge technologies and strategic defense partnerships has enhanced its capabilities, ensuring robust interoperability and operational efficiency. 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 NATO secure digital radio system, has continued to evolve, providing beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) capabilities in the HF and UHF bands. These advancements enable 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, which is crucial for joint and coalition operations. These enhancements ensure reliable connectivity even in challenging radio frequency conditions, thereby maintaining operational capacity and supporting mission success.

Source: Link 22 Developments

Integration of New Technologies

The integration of new technologies into Link 22 has been a focal point, with efforts aimed at improving anti-jamming capabilities and command efficiency. The system now supports faster communication transmissions, which are crucial for real-time decision-making in complex operational environments. These enhancements are part of a broader effort to incorporate next-generation hardware and software architectures, including software-defined radio and modem technologies.

Source: Link 22 Developments

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

The Link 22 program, initially developed by seven NATO countries, continues to expand through strategic partnerships and collaborations. Efforts to replace the older Link 11 system and complement Link 16 are supported by active participation from defense contractors. These initiatives aim to improve allied interoperability and are bolstered by international conferences and workshops.

Source: Link 22 Developments

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.

Source: Link 22 Developments

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.

Source: Link 22 Developments

Link 22 Developments: March 31, 2025 – April 06, 2025

Executive Summary: Recent advancements in Link 22 have significantly enhanced secure military communications through improved interoperability and integration with cutting-edge technologies. Strategic defense partnerships and initiatives have been bolstered, with key industry players actively participating in testing and international collaborations. These developments ensure robust situational awareness and operational capacity across various military domains.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22, a secure digital radio system, continues to evolve as a pivotal component in military communications, offering 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 updates to Link 22 have focused on improving anti-jamming capabilities and command efficiency. The integration of software-defined radio and modem technologies has enabled faster communication transmissions, essential for real-time decision-making in complex operational environments. These enhancements are part of a broader effort to incorporate next-generation hardware and software architectures.

Source: Link 22 Developments

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.

Source: Military Embedded Systems

News from Defense Contractors

Defense contractors have played a crucial role in advancing Link 22 technologies. Companies like Northrop Grumman have been involved in upgrading tactical data link processors to support Link 22 integration, addressing obsolescence issues, and enhancing system capabilities. These efforts are part of broader initiatives to provide innovative and affordable solutions for military communications.

Source: Naval Technology

Training, Military Exercises, and Industry Conferences

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

Source: Naval Technology