Link 22

Link 22 is a NATO military tactical datalink standard used for secure communication between naval, air, and ground units. It is designed as a secure, jam-resistant, and interoperable communication system enhancing situational awareness and coordination amongst allied forces.

Overview

Link 22 represents a significant evolution from earlier datalinks like Link 11, providing increased data throughput, enhanced security features, and improved network management capabilities. It is intended to replace or augment legacy systems, offering a more robust and resilient communication infrastructure. Link 22 employs a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) architecture and sophisticated cryptographic techniques to ensure reliable and secure data exchange in demanding operational environments.

Key Features

• Enhanced Security: Link 22 incorporates advanced encryption algorithms and security protocols to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and interception.

• Improved Data Throughput: Compared to previous generation datalinks, Link 22 offers significantly higher data rates, enabling the transmission of larger volumes of information, including imagery and video.

• Jam Resistance: The system is designed to be resilient against electronic warfare attacks, utilizing frequency hopping and other anti-jamming techniques.

• Interoperability: Link 22 promotes interoperability amongst NATO and allied forces, allowing for seamless communication and data sharing across different platforms and national systems.

• Network Management: The system includes sophisticated network management tools for monitoring network performance, diagnosing problems, and configuring network parameters.

• Node-less Network: Link 22 can operate in a node-less manner allowing any unit to act as a network manager improving survivability and removing single point of failure.

Applications

Link 22 is used in a wide range of military applications, including:

• Air Defense: Coordinating air defense operations and tracking airborne threats.

• Maritime Surveillance: Sharing information about surface vessels and submarines.

• Ground Operations: Facilitating communication and coordination between ground units.

• Intelligence Sharing: Disseminating intelligence information to relevant units.

• Situational Awareness: Providing a common operational picture to all participating units.

Status

Link 22 is currently being implemented and deployed by NATO and allied nations. It is expected to play an increasingly important role in future military operations, providing a critical communication capability for coalition forces. The standard is continuously evolving to incorporate new technologies and address emerging threats.