2 win $166.3M option for systems engineering of tactical radios

Data Link Solutions and ViaSat Inc. have won options worth $166.3 million for systems engineering and integration of two MIDS terminals and joint tactical radio systems.

Data Link Solutions and ViaSat Inc. have each won a $166.3 million option for systems engineering and integration of the multifunctional information distribution system, or MIDS, low volume terminal and the MIDS joint tactical radio systems terminal.

The MIDS low volume terminal provides secure, high-capacity, jam-resistant, digital data and voice communications capability for Navy, Air Force and Army platforms, the Defense Department said.

The MIDS joint tactical radio systems terminal is a replacement transforming the radios into a four-channel, software communications architecture compliant terminal while maintaining the current Link 16 and tactical air navigation capability.

Work will be performed in Wayne, N.J., Ceder Rapids, Iowa, Carlsbad, Calif., and is expected to be completed by March 9, 2014.