Navy awards two huge deals for tactical radios
ViaSat and Data Link get contracts worth up to total of more then $880 million for MIDS Low Volume Terminals.
Continuing its comprehensive upgrade of tactical communications, the Navy has awarded two contracts worth nearly $881 dollars for high-capacity, jam-resistant radios to be used by U.S. sea, air and ground forces as well as by coalition partners.
The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in San Diego awarded ViaSat a maximum $514.3 million contract, and Data Link Solutions a deal worth up to $366.5 million, both for Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Low Volume Terminals (LVT). The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contracts run to Aug. 19, 2020.
The MIDS-LVT provides secure, near-real time digital data and voice communications for Navy, Air Force, Army and allied platforms. It makes use of Link 16. A National Security Agency-certified network designed to carry text, voice and imagery.
The Navy has been committing a lot to radio upgrades through MIDS. Earlier this year, it awarded ViaSat and Data Link, joint venture of Rockwell Collins and BAE Systems, separate $478.6 million contracts for the software-defined MIDS Joint Tactical Radio Systems, the other family of radios, in addition to LVT, in use in the Navy.