Link 22 Developments: May 2025
Executive Summary: Recent advancements in Link 22, a secure digital radio system, highlight its growing role in enhancing NATO’s naval communication capabilities. Key developments include integration with advanced technologies, strategic defense partnerships, and successful interoperability testing. These initiatives underscore Link 22’s potential to replace Link 11, offering improved data exchange and situational awareness across military domains.
Advancements in Secure Military Communications
Link 22, a NATO secure digital radio system, is designed to provide beyond-line-of-sight communications in the HF and UHF bands. It is set to replace the existing Link 11 system by 2025, offering enhanced data rates and the ability to host more participants. The system’s dynamic time division multiple access (TDMA) mechanisms allow for quick adaptation to changing communication structures during missions, ensuring robust and secure data exchange.
Source: Rohde & Schwarz, Naval Technology
Integration of New Technologies
Recent tests conducted by Rohde & Schwarz in Germany and France have demonstrated the compatibility of their software-defined radios with Link 22 modem types. This compatibility ensures that existing radio systems can be upgraded to support Link 22, protecting customer investments. Additionally, the integration of Link 22 into naval surveillance systems, such as the LYNCEA combat management system by NEXEYA France, highlights its modular architecture and adaptability to various ship types.
Source: Rohde & Schwarz, Military Embedded Systems
Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives
Thales and Atos have collaborated to develop advanced Link 22 functionalities for the TopLink tactical datalink processor. This partnership aims to enhance collaborative combat capabilities in secure environments, facilitating real-time communication and decision-making on the battlefield. Furthermore, 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: Naval Technology, Defense Advancement
News from Defense Contractors and Industry Conferences
Leonardo DRS has successfully completed interoperability testing of its Link-22 Signal Processing Controller within the NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE) network. This achievement ensures compliance with Link-22 Block Cycle 9 specifications, supporting operations and exercises in the INDOPACOM theater. The active participation of Rohde & Schwarz in international Link 22 conferences and workshops further emphasizes the ongoing efforts to optimize and standardize this tactical data link.
Source: Defense Advancement, Rohde & Schwarz
Training and Military Exercises
The French Navy has been testing Link 22 capabilities during its Indo-Pacific deployment, including exercises such as La Perouse 25 and Pacific Steller. These tests aim to validate the system’s performance and integration across French aerial and naval platforms, paving the way for the eventual replacement of Link 11.
Source: The Aviationist
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