MIDS JTRS: USN awards $248 million contract to Data Link Solutions

Data Link Solutions has been awarded a $248 million contract to continue production of the MIDS JTRS terminals for the US and export customers, improving communications capabilities across multiple platform types. 

BLUF: 

• Data Link Solutions has been awarded a $248.00 million contract for the production of hundreds of MIDS JTRS terminals. 
• The software-defined radio system will provide jam-resistant Link 16 and high-speed TTNT connectivity across 45+ platform types.

The United States Navy has awarded Data Link Solutions (DLS) a production contract valued at $248.00 million (£179.13 million/€233.19 million) to provide Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) terminals. 

The contract covers the delivery of several hundred terminals intended for use by United States forces and international allies, according to a January 28 press release. The MIDS JTRS is a four-channel, software-defined radio designed to facilitate the Link 16 waveform. This standardised communications system is utilised by NATO and partner nations to share real-time tactical data across sea, ground, and air assets.

The MIDS JTRS is a four-channel, software-defined radio (SDR) designed to consolidate various communication requirements into a single unit. By utilising this software-defined architecture, the system reduces the need for multiple legacy radios, thereby lowering the total space, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements on board an aircraft or vessel.

The system provides line-of-sight voice, video, and data communications designed to operate in contested environments. In addition to standard Link 16 connectivity, which allows NATO and partner nations to share real-time tactical data, the system incorporates Tactical Targeting Networking Technology (TTNT). This provides the high-throughput, low-latency communication required for modern networked warfare.

The radio is currently being fielded on a variety of platforms, including the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, and F-22 aircraft for both the US and export customers. Under the terms of the current contract, the system will also be integrated into maritime vessels and armoured command and control platforms.

MIDS JTRS: Long-term modernisation

According to Brian Shadiack, director of Data Link Solutions, the production increase will support requirements for more than 45 different platform types globally. This award follows a significant Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract issued to DLS in December 2024. That agreement, with a ceiling value of $1 billion (£722.65 million/€834.21 million), focuses on the long-term modernisation, sustainment, and retrofitting of the existing MIDS JTRS fleet.

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MIDS JTRS development began in 2004 as an upgrade for the MIDS Low Volume Terminal (MIDS-LVT). The earlier LVT system entered production in 2000, with Viasat, Data Link Solutions, and EuroMIDS producing components for forces throughout NATO.

Company profile: Data Link Solutions

Data Link Solutions is a joint venture established between BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace. The company specialises in the development, manufacture, and support of Link 16 tactical data link hardware and software. Headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, the joint venture has been operational for over 25 years. During this period, DLS has delivered more than 9,000 Link 16 systems to over 50 nations. The company’s portfolio focuses on providing interoperable data link terminals for a variety of military platforms, supported by a range of logistics and maintenance services.

Calibre comment: Comms for drones?

The recent contract confirms that MIDS JTRS will be installed on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as well as crewed platforms. This is a critical step in the integration of uncrewed assets into a wider force, ensuring that data and targeting information can be shared seamlessly between different platform types. The ability to maintain secure, jam-resistant links will only grow in importance as forces move toward hybrid structures, with collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) and other uncrewed platforms sharing the battlespace with crewed capabilities.

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on January 29, 2026. The lead image shows a representative UAV. Credit: BAE Systems.