ARMY LINK 16 SYSTEMS

The Army Link 16 Systems program aims to support the Army Modernization Priority Air & Missile Defense by providing tactical data link networking capabilities. The program focuses on improving interoperability between land, sea, and air forces to enhance joint operations. Specifically, it involves the procurement of Link 16 terminals, gateways, and radios, along with services to support the Army's Link 16 Modernization Strategy. This includes providing interoperability and continuity through the procurement of tactical communication enhancement equipment, ancillaries, and related services. The program also supports the modernization effort of the MIDS Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Ground Variant (GV) to introduce modernized Link 16 networking capabilities.

The objectives of the program include enhancing real-time transfer of combat data, voice communications, imagery, and relative navigation information using data encryption and frequency hopping to maintain secure communications. It also aims to provide Concurrent Multi-netting (CMN), Concurrent Contentions Receive (CCR), Enhanced Throughput (ET), and Advanced TRANSEC capabilities. Additionally, the program seeks to improve interoperability provided by Army Link 16 to allow users in the communication link to electronically observe the battlespace, identify threats, and acquire targets. These efforts align with the Joint Requirements Oversight Council Memorandum (JROCM) and support homeland defense missions, domestic emergency responses, and military support to civil authorities as mandated by Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 110-181).