Link 22 Developments: November 2024

Executive Summary: Recent advancements in Link 22, a secure digital radio system, have significantly enhanced military communications by integrating cutting-edge technologies and fostering international defense partnerships. Key developments include successful interoperability testing, expanded support for tactical data link solutions, and strategic initiatives to bolster defense industrial resilience. These efforts underscore the commitment to improving situational awareness and operational capabilities across NATO and allied forces.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22 continues to evolve as a critical component of secure military communications, providing beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) capabilities across air, surface, subsurface, and ground domains. Recent developments have focused on enhancing interoperability and security, ensuring that Link 22 remains a robust and reliable communication tool for NATO and allied forces.

Leonardo DRS has successfully completed interoperability testing of its Link-22 Signal Processing Controller (SPC), ensuring compliance with NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE) standards. This achievement highlights the system’s readiness to support current and emerging mission requirements, offering enhanced situational awareness and long-haul communication capabilities.

Source: Military Embedded Systems

Integration of New Technologies

The integration of next-generation hardware and software architectures, including software-defined radio and modem technologies, has been pivotal in advancing Link 22 capabilities. These technologies provide increased processing power and memory, allowing for greater flexibility and adaptability to future mission needs.

Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions has expanded its tactical data link product family to include Link 22 support, enhancing interoperability and capability for the U.S. military and coalition partners. This integration allows for simultaneous operations with other tactical data links such as Link 16 and Link 11, streamlining user interfaces and reducing the need for multiple systems.

Source: Defense Advancement

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

Link 22’s development and deployment are underpinned by strong international partnerships, particularly through the NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE) program. This collaborative effort involves key NATO members, including the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, working together to enhance tactical data exchange and communication capabilities.

The Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience (PIPIR) has been established to strengthen defense industrial resilience, promoting regional security and economic prosperity. This initiative aims to accelerate defense industrial base cooperation, reduce production barriers, and address supply chain constraints, ensuring the continued effectiveness of systems like Link 22.

Source: U.S. Department of Defense

Training, Military Exercises, and Industry Conferences

Training and simulation tools for Link 22 have been enhanced to provide comprehensive support for tactical data link integration programs. Curtiss-Wright’s best-in-class simulation tools are now available to the Link 22 community, facilitating effective training and operational readiness.

Industry conferences and military exercises continue to play a vital role in demonstrating Link 22’s capabilities and fostering collaboration among defense contractors and military forces. These events provide a platform for sharing insights, showcasing technological advancements, and discussing future developments in secure military communications.

Source: Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions

Link 22 Developments: October 28 – November 03, 2024

Executive Summary: Recent advancements in Link 22, a secure digital radio system, highlight its growing importance in military communications. The system’s integration into various platforms and its enhanced capabilities are strengthening defense partnerships and strategic initiatives globally. Key developments include successful interoperability testing and new support for tactical data link solutions, enhancing situational awareness and communication security.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22 continues to evolve as a critical component of secure military communications, providing beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) capabilities that interconnect air, surface, subsurface, and ground-based tactical data systems. The system’s ability to operate without reliance on satellites or airborne relays makes it a robust solution for modern military operations.

Integration of New Technologies

Leonardo DRS has successfully completed formal interoperability testing of its Link-22 Signal Processing Controller (SPC) within the NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE) Link-22 Network. This achievement ensures compliance with Link-22 Block Cycle 9 specifications, positioning the technology for current and emerging mission requirements globally. The SPC’s next-generation hardware and software architecture, including software-defined radio and modem technologies, offer enhanced capabilities while maintaining operational reliability. [Source]

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

The integration of Link 22 into various defense systems underscores its strategic importance. NEXEYA France has incorporated Link 22 into its LYNCEA naval combat management system, enhancing decision-making and weapon management capabilities. This integration allows for the sharing and monitoring of tactical data across multiple platforms, improving interoperability among allied forces. [Source]

News from Defense Contractors

Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions has announced Link 22 support for its suite of Tactical Data Link (TDL) solutions, enhancing interoperability and capability for the US military and coalition partners. This addition eliminates the need for separate systems for TDL certification programs, streamlining operations and training. [Source]

Training, Military Exercises, and Industry Conferences

Link 22’s role in military exercises and training is pivotal, providing unprecedented situational awareness across the battle space. The system’s ability to exchange data, including radar tracking information, enhances joint and coalition communications in various domains. This capability is crucial for operations in the INDOPACOM theater, where interoperability with NATO and allied partners is essential. [Source]

Conclusion

Link 22’s advancements and integration into military systems highlight its significance in enhancing secure communications and interoperability among allied forces. The ongoing developments and strategic initiatives underscore the system’s role in modernizing military communications and strengthening defense partnerships globally.

Link 22 Developments: October 2024

Executive Summary: Recent advancements in Link 22 technology have significantly enhanced secure military communications, offering improved interoperability and situational awareness across various domains. Key developments include successful interoperability testing by Leonardo DRS and expanded capabilities by Curtiss-Wright, which are set to bolster defense partnerships and strategic initiatives among NATO and allied forces. These advancements are crucial for maintaining robust communication networks in complex operational environments.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22, a secure digital radio system operating in the HF and UHF bands, continues to evolve as a critical component of military communications. It provides beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) capabilities, enabling 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.

Source: Wikipedia

Integration of New Technologies

Leonardo DRS has completed formal interoperability testing of its Link-22 Signal Processing Controller (SPC) within the NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE) Network. This testing ensures compliance with Link-22 Block Cycle 9 specifications, positioning the SPC for current and emerging mission requirements. The successful integration of these technologies underscores the system’s readiness to support complex military operations globally.

Source: Military Embedded Systems

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

The Link 22 program, initially developed by seven NATO nations, continues to strengthen defense partnerships through enhanced communication capabilities. The system’s ability to interoperate with Link 16 and replace Link 11 addresses previous deficiencies and supports NATO’s strategic objectives. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of multinational cooperation in advancing military technology.

Source: Wikipedia

News from Defense Contractors

Curtiss-Wright has announced the addition of Link 22 support to its Tactical Data Link (TDL) solutions, including the TCG LinkPRO and Ground Tactical Data Link System. This enhancement provides greater interoperability and capability to the U.S. military and coalition partners, eliminating the need for separate systems and simplifying user interfaces for TDL certification programs.

Source: Defense Advancement

Training, Military Exercises, and Industry Conferences

The 2024 Security Cooperation Conference, organized by the Defense Security Cooperation University, emphasized the need for deepening alliances and partnerships to enhance security cooperation outcomes. Discussions focused on evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and the importance of adapting U.S. security cooperation strategies to better meet partner needs.

Source: Defense Security Cooperation University

Expert Insights

Experts highlight the strategic importance of Link 22 in maintaining robust communication networks in increasingly complex operational environments. The system’s ability to provide secure, reliable communications across multiple domains is crucial for situational awareness and mission success. As defense technologies continue to advance, Link 22’s role in supporting NATO and allied operations will likely expand further.

Link 22 Developments: October 14-20, 2024

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22, a secure digital radio system, continues to evolve as a critical component in military communications. Recent advancements have focused on enhancing the system’s encryption capabilities and interoperability with existing systems like Link 16. Raytheon has been at the forefront, providing the Link Level Communication Security 7M (LLC 7M) encryptor, which is certified by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) for Type 1 encryption. This ensures the protection of military information transmitted over the Link 22 network, which is crucial for secure communications in joint and allied operations.

Source: Military Aerospace

Integration of New Technologies

Thales and Atos have collaborated to develop advanced functionalities for the Link 22 system, enhancing its capabilities for real-time communication and situational adaptability. These advancements are designed to facilitate collaborative combat in a secure environment, leveraging the system’s ability to operate in HF and UHF frequency bands. The integration of software-defined radio and modem technologies by Leonardo DRS further enhances the system’s performance, ensuring it meets current and future mission requirements.

Source: Naval Technology

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

The Link 22 program is a collaborative effort among several NATO nations, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This partnership aims to replace the legacy Link 11 system by 2025, providing a more robust and secure communication framework for NATO and allied forces. The system’s adoption by over 30 allied nations is anticipated, reflecting its strategic importance in enhancing joint operational capabilities.

Source: Wikipedia

News from Defense Contractors

Raytheon has secured a $32 million contract from the U.S. Navy for the production of next-generation encryption devices, with a potential extension to $63 million. This contract underscores the company’s role in delivering secure communication solutions across various military platforms. Leonardo DRS has also made significant contributions with its Link-22 Signal Processing Controller, which has successfully completed interoperability testing, ensuring seamless integration across domains and platforms.

Source: Intelligence Community News

Training, Military Exercises, and Industry Conferences

The ongoing development and deployment of Link 22 are supported by extensive training and military exercises aimed at maximizing its operational effectiveness. Industry conferences, such as the Security Cooperation Conference organized by the Defense Security Cooperation University, continue to emphasize the importance of international partnerships and the integration of emerging technologies in defense strategies.

Source: Defense Security Cooperation University

Expert Insights

Experts highlight the strategic advantage of Link 22 in providing beyond-line-of-sight communications without reliance on satellites, which is crucial in contested environments. The system’s enhanced anti-jamming capabilities are particularly significant in countering potential threats from adversaries like China, as noted by defense analysts.

Source: The Defense Post

Conclusion

Link 22 represents a significant leap forward in secure military communications, offering enhanced capabilities and interoperability for NATO and allied forces. As defense contractors continue to innovate and integrate new technologies, the system is poised to play a pivotal role in future military operations, ensuring secure and reliable communications across the battlespace.

Link 22 Developments: October 07-13, 2024

Introduction

Link 22, a secure digital radio system used by NATO and allied military forces, continues to evolve with new technological integrations and strategic partnerships. This report covers the latest advancements in Link 22 from October 07 to October 13, 2024, focusing on secure military communications, integration of new technologies, defense partnerships, and strategic initiatives.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22 is a critical component in enhancing joint and coalition communications across various military domains, including air, surface, subsurface, and land. Recent developments have focused on improving situational awareness and data exchange capabilities beyond line of sight (BLOS).

Leonardo DRS has successfully completed interoperability testing of its Link-22 Signal Processing Controller (SPC) within the NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE) network. This achievement ensures full interoperability with NATO and allied partners, supporting operations in the Indo-Pacific Command theater. The SPC is compliant with Link-22 Block Cycle 9 specifications, positioning it for current and emerging mission requirements.

Source: Seapower Magazine

Integration of New Technologies

Leonardo DRS continues to invest in Link-22 technology, leveraging next-generation hardware and software architectures. The use of software-defined radio and modem technologies enhances capabilities while maintaining operational reliability. The company’s SPC solution is designed to accommodate additional missions due to its spare memory and processing power.

Source: Epicos

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

The integration of Link 22 into tactical data link systems is a strategic initiative to enhance interoperability among U.S. military and coalition partners. Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions has announced the addition of Link 22 support to its TCG product line, which includes the TCG LinkPRO Tactical Data Link Processing Software, TCG Ground Tactical Data Link System, and TCG Battlefield Operations Support System. This integration eliminates the need for separate systems for TDL certification programs, streamlining operations and training.

Source: Defense Advancement

Training, Military Exercises, and Industry Conferences

Curtiss-Wright’s products are widely used for verification, training, and simulation of TDL integrations. The company demonstrated the new Link 22 capabilities and interoperability at the International Data Link Symposium (IDLS) 2022 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. These demonstrations highlighted updates to current tactical data links and showcased the seamless integration of Link 22 with other systems.

Source: Curtiss-Wright Press Release

Conclusion

The recent advancements in Link 22 technology underscore the ongoing efforts to enhance secure military communications and interoperability among NATO and allied forces. The integration of new technologies and strategic partnerships continues to position Link 22 as a vital component in modern military operations, ensuring robust and reliable communications across multiple domains.

Link 22 Developments: Secure Military Communications

Introduction

Link 22, a secure digital radio system developed by NATO countries, continues to evolve as a critical component of military communications. This report highlights the latest advancements in Link 22 technology, integration efforts, defense partnerships, and strategic initiatives announced between September 30, 2024, and October 06, 2024.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22 is designed to enhance secure communications for naval forces, providing beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) capabilities without relying on satellites. Recent developments have focused on improving the system’s robustness in challenging radio frequency (RF) conditions. Enhanced coding and modulation techniques have been implemented to maintain connectivity, albeit with a trade-off in throughput.

Source: Rohde & Schwarz, LinkedIn

Integration of New Technologies

Rohde & Schwarz has been at the forefront of integrating Link 22 with their software-defined radios, ensuring compatibility with various modem types. The company’s M3SR family of radios, including the R&S Series 4100 HF and R&S Series 4400 UHF radios, have been successfully tested for error-free operation with Link 22. This integration protects customer investments by allowing existing radios to be upgraded to support Link 22.

Source: Rohde & Schwarz

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

The NILE (NATO Improved Link Eleven) program, which oversees Link 22 development, continues to expand its reach. Deliveries to non-NILE nations are managed through agreements with the NILE Program Management Office. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance interoperability among NATO and allied forces.

Source: Rohde & Schwarz

News from Defense Contractors

Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions has announced the integration of Link 22 support into its Tactical Data Link (TDL) solutions. This integration aims to provide greater interoperability and capability to the US military and its coalition partners. The addition of Link 22 to Curtiss-Wright’s product line simplifies TDL certification programs and user interface management.

Source: Defense Advancement

Training, Military Exercises, and Industry Conferences

Link 22 has been a focal point in various international conferences and workshops, where Rohde & Schwarz actively participates to contribute to the standardization and optimization of the system. These events provide a platform for sharing insights and advancements in tactical data link technologies.

Source: Rohde & Schwarz

Expert Insights

Experts emphasize the importance of Link 22 in modern military operations, particularly in environments where satellite communications are compromised. The system’s ability to adapt to changing communication structures and maintain secure links is crucial for mission success.

Source: LinkedIn

Conclusion

Link 22 continues to be a pivotal element in secure military communications, with ongoing advancements and integrations enhancing its capabilities. The collaboration between defense contractors and NATO countries ensures that Link 22 remains at the cutting edge of tactical data link technology.

References

• Rohde & Schwarz
• LinkedIn
• Defense Advancement

Link 22 Developments: September 23-29, 2024

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

During the last week of September 2024, significant advancements were made in the realm of secure military communications, particularly concerning the Link 22 digital radio system. Link 22, a NATO secure digital radio system, continues to evolve, providing enhanced interoperability and capability for military forces.

Integration of New Technologies

Recent updates have seen the integration of next-generation hardware and software architectures into Link 22 systems. These advancements include the use of software-defined radios and modems, which offer enhanced capabilities while maintaining operational reliability. The new technologies are designed to improve the efficiency and security of communications across various military platforms, including air, surface, subsurface, and ground-based tactical data systems.

Source: Defense Advancement

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

Defense contractors such as Curtiss-Wright and Leonardo DRS have been at the forefront of these developments. Curtiss-Wright announced the addition of Link 22 support to its suite of Tactical Data Link (TDL) solutions, which includes the TCG LinkPRO Tactical Data Link Processing Software, TCG Ground Tactical Data Link System, and TCG Battlefield Operations Support System. This integration aims to deliver greater interoperability and capability to the U.S. military and coalition partners.

Source: Curtiss-Wright Press Release

Training, Military Exercises, and Industry Conferences

Training and Simulation

Link 22 capabilities have been incorporated into training and simulation tools, providing military personnel with the necessary skills to operate and integrate these systems effectively. Curtiss-Wright’s products are widely used for verification, training, and simulation of TDL integrations, ensuring that military forces are well-prepared for operational deployments.

Source: Defense Advancement

Military Exercises

Recent military exercises have demonstrated the enhanced capabilities of Link 22. These exercises have highlighted the system’s ability to provide secure, beyond-line-of-sight communications, which are crucial for maintaining situational awareness and operational effectiveness in complex and hostile environments.

Source: Naval Technology

Industry Conferences

The International Data Link Symposium (IDLS) 2024, held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, featured demonstrations of the new Link 22 capabilities. Curtiss-Wright showcased the interoperability of Link 22 with other tactical data links such as Link 16, Link 11, and VMF. These demonstrations underscored the system’s ability to integrate seamlessly with existing military communication infrastructures.

Source: Curtiss-Wright Press Release

Expert Insights

Chris Wiltsey, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions, emphasized the growing interest in Link 22 capabilities from the U.S. Department of Defense and allied forces. He noted that the addition of Link 22 support means that customers can now use a trusted user interface to implement Link 22 integration programs, reducing the need for multiple systems and interfaces.

Source: Defense Advancement

Conclusion

The developments in Link 22 over the past week highlight the ongoing efforts to enhance secure military communications. The integration of new technologies, strategic defense partnerships, and comprehensive training and simulation programs are pivotal in ensuring that military forces are equipped with the best tools for maintaining operational superiority. As Link 22 continues to evolve, it will play a crucial role in the future of network-centric warfare and secure tactical communications.

Sources

• Curtiss-Wright Press Release
• Defense Advancement
• Naval Technology
• Defense Advancement

Latest Developments on Link 22: September 16-22, 2024

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22, a secure digital radio system used by NATO and allied military forces, continues to evolve with significant advancements in secure military communications. The system, which operates in the HF and UHF bands, provides beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications and is crucial for interconnecting air, surface, subsurface, and ground-based tactical data systems.

Recent developments have focused on enhancing interoperability and capability, ensuring that Link 22 remains a vital component of modern military communications infrastructure.

Integration of New Technologies

Leonardo DRS has successfully completed formal interoperability testing of its Link-22 Signal Processing Controller (SPC) within the NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE) Link-22 Network. This achievement ensures full interoperability with all NATO and allied partners, supporting operations and exercises in the Indo-Pacific Command theater. The SPC solution is designed to meet current and emerging mission requirements, offering high performance and growth potential for future mission sets.

Utilizing next-generation hardware and software architecture, coupled with software-defined radio and modem technologies, Leonardo DRS provides enhanced capabilities while maintaining operational reliability.

Source: Seapower Magazine

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

Link 22’s development and deployment are the results of collaborative efforts among NATO member nations. The program, initially conducted by seven nations, now includes Spain, which replaced the Netherlands as a NILE nation. This collaboration ensures that Link 22 supports NATO and Allied warfare taskings in peacetime, crisis, and war.

Leonardo DRS continues to invest in Link 22 technology, providing users with high performance for today’s battlefield while offering capability and growth for future mission sets. The company’s commitment to interoperability across domains, platforms, and nations is evident in its ongoing efforts to enhance Link 22 capabilities.

Source: Epicos

Training, Military Exercises, and Industry Conferences

Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions has announced Link 22 support for its suite of Tactical Data Link (TDL) solutions, including the TCG LinkPRO Tactical Data Link Processing Software, TCG Ground Tactical Data Link System, and TCG Battlefield Operations Support System. These products are widely used for verification, training, and simulation of TDL integrations, as well as in operational deployments.

At the International Data Link Symposium (IDLS) 2022, Curtiss-Wright demonstrated the new Link 22 capabilities and interoperability, showcasing updates to current tactical data links. These demonstrations highlighted the seamless integration of Link 22 with other TDL systems, enabling simultaneous operations across multiple data links.

Source: Curtiss-Wright Press Release

Expert Insights

Chris Wiltsey, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions, emphasized the importance of Link 22 support across their tactical data link product family. He noted the increased interest in Link 22 TDL capabilities from the US Department of Defense and allied forces, highlighting the benefits of a unified user interface for implementing Link 22 integration programs.

Larry Ezell, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Leonardo DRS Airborne and Intelligence Systems, expressed pride in providing a fully compliant Link 22 solution to allies worldwide. He emphasized the system’s readiness for current and emerging mission requirements, ensuring the best long-haul communications and situational awareness possible.

Source: Defense Advancement

Conclusion

The latest developments in Link 22 technology underscore the ongoing efforts to enhance secure military communications, integrate new technologies, and strengthen defense partnerships. With continued investments and successful interoperability testing, Link 22 remains a critical component of modern military operations, providing unprecedented situational awareness and communication capabilities across multiple domains.

Sources

• Seapower Magazine
• Epicos
• Curtiss-Wright Press Release
• Defense Advancement

Link 22 Developments: September 09-15, 2024

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22, a secure digital radio system used by NATO and allied military forces, has seen significant advancements in recent times. This system, which operates in the HF and UHF bands, is designed to provide beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications, enhancing situational awareness and interoperability among coalition forces.

Recent developments have focused on improving the integration of Link 22 with existing tactical data links (TDLs) such as Link 16 and Link 11, as well as incorporating new technologies to enhance performance and reliability.

Integration of New Technologies

Leonardo DRS has successfully completed formal interoperability testing of its Link-22 Signal Processing Controller (SPC) within the NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE) Link-22 Network. This testing ensures compliance with NATO standards, allowing for seamless integration with other NATO and allied systems. The SPC utilizes next-generation hardware and software architecture, including software-defined radio and modem technologies, to offer enhanced capabilities while maintaining operational reliability.

According to Larry Ezell, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Leonardo DRS Airborne and Intelligence Systems, “These systems are positioned for current and emerging mission requirements and the signal processor controllers ensure U.S. and allied forces have the best long-haul communications and situational awareness possible.”

Source: Seapower Magazine

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

The Link 22 program continues to be a collaborative effort among NATO and allied nations. The program, initially conducted by seven nations under a memorandum of understanding (MOU), now includes Spain, which replaced the Netherlands as a NILE nation. This collaboration aims to enhance joint and coalition communications across various domains, including surface, subsurface, land, and air.

Leonardo DRS has delivered over 1,100 Link-22-capable SPCs and more than 3,000 Link-11 Data Terminal Sets to date, demonstrating the widespread adoption and trust in their technology. The company continues to invest in Link-22 technology to ensure high performance for today’s battlefield while offering growth potential for future mission sets.

Source: Epicos

Training, Military Exercises, and Industry Conferences

Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions has announced the addition of Link 22 support to its suite of TDL solutions, including the TCG LinkPRO Tactical Data Link Processing Software, TCG Ground Tactical Data Link System, and TCG Battlefield Operations Support System. This integration aims to deliver greater interoperability and capability to the U.S. military and coalition partners.

At the International Data Link Symposium (IDLS) 2022, Curtiss-Wright demonstrated the new Link 22 capabilities and interoperability, showcasing updates to current tactical data links. These demonstrations highlighted the company’s commitment to providing advanced training and simulation tools for TDL integrations.

Source: Curtiss-Wright Press Release

Expert Insights

Chris Wiltsey, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions, emphasized the importance of Link 22 support across their tactical data link product family. He stated, “We are seeing greatly increased interest in Link 22 TDL capabilities from the US DoD and our allies. For our customers, the addition of Link 22 support means that the same superior user interface they’ve come to trust can now be used to implement Link 22 integration programs.”

These advancements underscore the ongoing efforts to enhance secure military communications, ensuring that NATO and allied forces remain well-equipped to handle current and future operational challenges.

Source: Defense Advancement

Conclusion

The recent developments in Link 22 technology highlight the continuous efforts to improve secure military communications and interoperability among NATO and allied forces. The integration of new technologies, strategic defense partnerships, and advanced training and simulation tools are pivotal in ensuring that military forces are prepared for current and future mission requirements.

Link 22 Developments: September 02-08, 2024

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in Link 22, a secure digital radio system, announced between September 02, 2024, and September 08, 2024. The report covers advancements in secure military communications, integration of new technologies, defense partnerships, and strategic initiatives. It also highlights news from defense contractors, training, military exercises, and industry conferences.

Advancements in Secure Military Communications

Link 22 continues to be a critical component in enhancing secure military communications across various domains. The system provides beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications, interconnecting air, surface, subsurface, and ground-based tactical data systems. Recent developments have focused on improving interoperability and situational awareness for NATO and allied forces.

Leonardo DRS has successfully completed formal interoperability testing of its Link-22 Signal Processing Controller (SPC) within the NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE) Link-22 Network. This compliance ensures full interoperability with NATO and allied partners, supporting operations and exercises globally, particularly in the INDOPACOM theater.

Source: Military Embedded Systems

Integration of New Technologies

Leonardo DRS has integrated next-generation hardware and software architecture into its Link-22 SPC solution. The use of software-defined radio and modem technologies enhances the system’s capabilities while maintaining operational reliability. The company has delivered over 1,100 Link-22-capable SPCs and more than 3,000 Link-11 Data Terminal Sets to date, ensuring high performance for current and future mission requirements.

Source: Defense Daily

Defense Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

Partnerships remain a cornerstone of the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DOD) strategy. The DOD emphasizes the importance of synchronizing efforts across agencies and with foreign partners to maintain an asymmetric advantage in cybersecurity and secure communications. The recent Arctic Strategy highlights the need for enhanced domain awareness, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as improved communications architecture for command and control.

Source: Defense.gov

News from Defense Contractors

Leonardo DRS has positioned its Link-22 SPC solution for current and emerging mission requirements. The system’s spare memory and additional processing power allow for future advancements. The company’s commitment to investing in Link-22 technology ensures that military services worldwide can depend on it for BLOS communications and interoperability across domains and platforms.

Source: Epicos

Training and Military Exercises

The DOD’s 2024 Arctic Strategy includes increased operations and military exercises in the Arctic region. These exercises are crucial for ensuring that the joint force is equipped and prepared to operate in the unique Arctic environment. The strategy also emphasizes the importance of engaging with allies and partners to strengthen U.S. security in the region.

Source: Defense.gov

Industry Conferences

At the Billington Cybersecurity Summit in Washington, Army Lt. Gen. William J. Hartman highlighted the critical role of partnerships in the DOD’s proactive cyber defense strategy. The demand for small team deployments to carry out defense operations continues to grow, underscoring the importance of leveraging technology and partnerships to scale global engagements.

Source: MilitarySpot.com

Expert Insights

Su Tzu-Yun, a research fellow at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, emphasized that Link-22’s long-distance transmission capability and automatic grouping function significantly improve combat effectiveness. The system’s ability to map out enemy and friendly forces’ positions via a common operational picture enhances strategic, operational, and tactical applications.

Source: Taipei Times

Conclusion

The latest developments in Link 22 highlight significant advancements in secure military communications, integration of new technologies, and strategic defense partnerships. These efforts ensure that NATO and allied forces maintain a robust and interoperable communication network, enhancing situational awareness and combat effectiveness across various domains.