Navy orders improved JTRS tactical data links

The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command has awarded engineering development orders totaling more than $15 million to ViaSat to furnish Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) terminals that will facilitate the transmission of voice and data and increase warfighter situational awareness, ViaSat said in a Sept. 26 news release.

The awards, which were made through the MIDS indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract established in March 2010, include the first block cycle information assurance modernization upgrades and additional enhancements for MIDS JTRS terminals.

MIDS JTRS is a joint development of ViaSat and Data Link Solutions, and offers a migration path from the MIDS Low Volume Terminals to a certified, reprogrammable, software-defined radio architecture for tactical data links.