Current and evolving maritime
threats are faster, stealthier,
more maneuverable and have
shifted from the open ocean to
the near-shore environment.
Sensors and weapons systems are
newly challenged as they move
closer to shore due to higher
maritime traffic density and an
increased proximity to coastal
threats. To combat potential
attacks at sea, the RCN executed
a fleet-wide Halifax-class
frigate communications upgrade
using the Link 16 waveform.
ViaSat's end-to-end Link 16
system supports a Canadian
multilink capability using
integrated shipboard racks
outfitted with critical support
equipment required to fully
operate the Multifunctional
Information Distribution System
(MIDS) Low Volume Terminal (LVT)
(4) technology. The MIDS LVT (4)
terminal is an advanced,
anti-jam data and voice
communications system. The
complete Link 16 system also
includes specialized cabling to
interface with Link 22
capabilities for future support
and ViaSat's software diagnostic
tools for terminal and network
analytics.
"The Halifax-class frigates
are the backbone of the Royal
Canadian Navy and require a
communications infrastructure
that will enable sailors to more
effectively communicate
worldwide today and into the
future," said
Ken
Peterman,
president, Government Systems,
ViaSat. "As the threat landscape
for these frigates evolve, so
must the technology platforms
that support them. This was a
highly-competitive selection
process; winning this award
showcases how ViaSat is
well-positioned to provide the
Canadian Armed Forces with
end-to-end, integrated
capabilities for secure,
interoperable communications
across any mission, platform or
network."
