Northrop Grumman to support ADF Joint Data Network development

Northrop Grumman has received a contract to support the development of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) Joint Data Network.

Awarded by the Australian Defence Force Tactical Data Link Authority (ADFTA), the contract requires Northrop Grumman to deliver tactical data link (TDL) systems and training services.

ADFTA provides TDL engineering and technical support to the ADF to ensure TDL functionality at platform level to ‘achieve single, joint and combined TDL interoperability for the ADF’.

Northrop Grumman Australia chief executive Chris Deeble said: “Northrop Grumman has extensive experience in networking and tactical data links across multi-domain forces, and a robust capability roadmap that will deliver increasingly enhanced data link technology in the years ahead.

“The Northrop Grumman engineers that delivered the F-35 Multifunction Advanced Data Link and communications, navigation and identification technologies will now be developing the ADF’s future TDL technology.”

The company’s multi-TDL system enables connectivity between fourth-generation platforms and fifth-generation platforms, as well as future data links and networks, ensuring interoperability with the advanced systems.

In a statement, Northrop Grumman said: “This is critical as forces seek to maximise the long-term value of existing platforms and systems by making certain that they can interoperate with emergent fifth-generation capabilities.”

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The company is specialised in the software and hardware of communication systems.

It is also involved in the architectures and implementation of TDL systems and services.

In September, the firm won a contract extension to continue to support the Royal Australian Air Force’s Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures systems.