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Link 16 is a standardized communications system used by U.S., NATO, and Coalition forces for transmitting and exchanging real time tactical data using links between allied military network participants.

Also known as TADIL J., Link 16 is now viewed as the standard by which other systems are measured for secure, airborne situational awareness. Link 16 has been credited by the U.S. Air Force as a key factor for saving lives in multiple theaters due to the increased situational awareness the system provides.

Link 16 communications networks provide the U.S. and international allies with greater situational awareness by exchanging digital data over a common data link that is continuously and automatically updated in real time, reducing the chance of fratricide or duplicate assignments, while significantly enhancing mission effectiveness.

This is crucial because in the chaos of combat, you only have seconds to identify a friend from foe before deciding whether or not to engage. Whether you are a single dismounted ground warfighter or a pilot supporting the fight from the sky, Link 16 delivers a complete air/ground picture with all operators and assets accounted for — even at the most remote edges of the battlefield.

Link 16 data is transmitted via Link 16 terminals found in a range of platforms, including aircraft, surface ships, ground vehicles, missile defense systems, networked weapons, and command and control networks. These terminals can operate Link 16 capabilities exclusively or can combine Link 16 functions with other advanced military waveforms.

To assure continuous secure and uninterrupted communications, compulsory Link 16 protocol updates are implemented as needed across the network, with system sunset dates pre-announced to all network participants so they can update their various platforms’ equipment and procedures effectively.

Want to know more about Link 16? Tonex offers Link 16 Training | Courses | Tactical Data Link Training, a 3-day technical and operational program that covers Link 16 operations.

Additionally, Tonex offers nearly a dozen other Link 16 courses, such as:

Advanced Link 16 Training (3 days)

Link 16 Training for Managers (3 days)

Tactical Data Link Training Crash Course (4 days)

Link 16 and MIDS Training Bootcamp (5 days)

Visible Message Format (VMF) Training Bootcamp (4 days)

Our Link 16 courses are designed by Link 16 experts in the field, and this allows our workshops to excel in certain topics that only professionals in the field would understand.

For more information, questions, comments, contact us.

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