The Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) has been approved for full production and fielding, the Navy said recently in a statement.
Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Frank Kendall signed the Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM) April 4, according to a statement.
The MIDS program office expects contracts to for the quantities to support that full production and fielding decision to be announced within a week, according to a Joint Program Executive Office for MIDS spokesman.
MIDS JTRS is a software-defined networking terminal that is not only National Security Agency certified with the Link-16 waveform, but is also equipped with Link-16 Enhanced Throughput and Link-16 Frequency Remapping, as well as three additional channels for future networking waveforms, according to a statement.
MIDS JTRS will soon attain Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for two different services (Navy and Air Force) on three different platforms: Boeing’s [BA] F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jet, Northrop Grumman’s [NOC] E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS), and Boeing’s RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft), according to a statement.
JTRS is developing an open architecture of cutting-edge radio waveform technology that allows multiple radio types (i.e. handheld, aircraft, maritime) to communicate with each other, according to a statement. JTRS’ goal is to produce a family of interoperable, modular software-defined radios that operate as nodes in a network to ensure secure wireless communication and networking services for mobile and fixed forces, according to a statement.