Ramona Adams
ViaSat‘s handheld Link 16 radio has obtained the National Security Agency‘s Type 1 security certification to process classified information.
The Viasat Battlefield Awareness and Targeting System – Dismounted radio works to provide direct access to a line of sight tactical datalink network for aircraft, ships and ground forces, the company said Monday.
BATS-D is designed to facilitate digital communications between dismounted joint terminal attack controllers and close air support aircraft.
NSA tested BATS-D’s interoperability with other Link 16 radios such as the Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems and the KOR-24A small tactical terminal as part of the Type 1 certification process.
Ken Peterman, president of Viasat’s government systems arm, said that BATS-D interoperated with the other Link 16 radios in the Cryptographic Modernization Initiative and legacy modes on the first attempt.
