, CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa: Data Link Solutions has received a $16 million contract from the U.S. Air Force Electronic Systems Center to provide Link 16 capability to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Link 16 provides real-time data communications, situational awareness and navigation, and in some cases digital voice, all in a jam-resistant, crypto-secured package.
The contract marks the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's first purchase of Link 16 capability and will include deliveries of the Joint Information Distribution System to be incorporated on the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System. Data Link Solutions currently provides all of the high-power Link 16 terminals for command and control aircraft, ships, and fixed and mobile ground sites for U.S. and coalition forces across the globe.
With Link 16, participants gain situational awareness by exchanging voice and digital data over a common communications link that is continuously and automatically updated in real time by all. Today, various types of Link 16 terminals are providing interoperable communications aboard tactical fighter aircraft, command and control aircraft, ships and fixed and mobile ground sites for US and Coalition forces.
Work will be performed in Wayne, N.J., and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Data Link Solutions was established in 1996 by BAE Systems and Rockwell Collins to pursue the next generation Link 16 applications. Bringing together more than 20 years of Link 16 design and production experience of more than 2,500 Link 16 low power systems and 1,000 Link 16 high power systems, DLS is a leading supplier of Link 16 terminals and software, as well as logistics and support services for air, land, and sea-based platforms.
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