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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.