New JTRS contract worth nearly half a billion

The Navy has chosen Data Link Solutions for a contract that could be worth nearly half a billion dollars, for the production, development and sustainment of the Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Joint Tactical Radio Systems (JTRS).

According to the Defense Department announcement, the MIDS JTRS terminal is a four-channel software-defined radio that delivers existing Link 16 with concurrent multi-netting-4 and tactical air navigation functionality, as well as three channels for future growth.

The possible future growth could encompass JTRS advanced networking waveforms such as tactical targeting network technology, multifunction advanced data link, intra-flight data link, among other enhancements.

The indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity contract, with a potential value of $478.6 million, is expected to combine purchases for the Navy, potentially other U.S. armed services and possibly other governments.

The Navy previously awarded an identical contract to ViaSat (see related story.)

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