Common Data Link Executive Agent (CDL EA)

The Common Data Link Executive Agent (CDL EA) is a critical initiative within the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation budget. The program's primary goal is to provide the Department of Defense (DoD) standard for interoperable, multi-service, multi-agency Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) datalinks for 15,000 DoD manned/unmanned airborne and ground terminals. The CDL EA is responsible for cross-service application of CDL RDT&E Military Intelligence Program (MIP) funds facilitating compliance to DoD mandates. Its objectives include developing, modifying, distributing, and maintaining specifications for the CDL waveform family to ensure design configuration control, commonality, and interoperability among ISR platforms. Additionally, the program aims to manage resources allocated for development, maturation, and migration of CDL technologies to enable compliance with OSD mandates to effectively utilize spectrum and provide direct support to current operations.

The program also focuses on achieving higher data rates, open architecture development, multi-access and multi-node network management, cryptographic modernization, advancements needed to operate in contested environments, terminal and antenna design enhancements, operations in other spectral bands for spectrum efficiency. It supports a broad array of tactical, operational, and strategic ISR users by providing sensor data directly via point-to-point and air-to-air or compatible satellite broadcast links to ground sites, airborne platforms, and dismounted users to support Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) warfare. The program's research and development activities include studies and analysis to support current and future requirements documentation and program planning and execution. Additionally, it aims to develop miniaturized gigabit rate cybersecurity devices capable of securing CDL data through improving Transportation Security (TRANSEC) capabilities.

In summary, the CDL EA program's specific goals are centered around ensuring interoperability among ISR platforms through the development of CDL waveform specifications while also focusing on technological advancements such as higher data rates, open architecture development, cryptographic modernization, and spectrum efficiency improvements to support current operations and future requirements.