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
Recent Comments