On Thursday, May 14, 2026, U.S. company BAE Systems Inc., part of the UK’s BAE Systems, announced that it had successfully completed work on the development and integration of an upgraded Link 16 test functionality for MIDS JTRS (Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System) terminals in U.S. Air Force (USAF) Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Fighting Falcon multirole aircraft. This upgrade streamlines the maintenance process, enabling aircraft to return to service more quickly.
Image: BAE Systems
The new automated test solution is now integrated with VXIIAIS (Versamodule Extensions for Instrumentation Improved Avionics Intermediate Shop) and R-IAIS (Rackmount Improved Avionics Intermediate Shop) modules, enabling rapid validation of MIDS JTRS devices at customer sites.
“This enhanced Link 16 test capability on the R-IAIS system marks a major milestone in our efforts to support the U.S. Air Force’s modernization efforts,” said Meg Redlin, product line director for Advanced Mission Solutions at BAE Systems. “Providing more fidelity in testing with tactical navigation functions will enable U.S. forces and allies to rapidly diagnose failures and validate the operational status of their MIDS JTRS terminals on-site, increasing the availability of their aircraft and reducing maintenance downtime.”
The MIDS JTRS device provides situational awareness and enables Link 16 communications through jam-resistant, line-of-sight voice, image, and data transmission with maritime, land, and airborne assets. This rapid solution offers greater efficiency compared with the previous MIDS Low Volume Terminal test for F-16 aircraft.
BAE Systems provides emulators and software for avionics shops to test the MIDS JTRS terminal. This technology, in turn, provides information to aircraft maintainers, enabling them to accurately diagnose faults and verify repairs. It also allows them to conduct tests on site, while increasing the recovery rate of spare parts and reducing the need to purchase additional components.
Link 16 is a standard communications system used by NATO, the United States, and their allies to share encrypted tactical data in real time. MIDS JTRS is a four-channel software-defined radio designed to support the complex Link 16 waveform and up to three additional communications protocols. It is a scalable and flexible solution that allows networks to be tailored to mission needs. Tactical Targeting Networking Technology offers low-latency, high-connectivity communications, providing critical platform connectivity and bandwidth in contested environments.
The U.S. Department of Defense is deploying MIDS JTRS on F-15, F-16, F/A-18, and F-22 aircraft, as well as on ships and command-and-control assets. For 45 years, BAE Systems has designed and manufactured comprehensive test solutions for military and commercial applications and has already delivered more than 700 terminals. These unique and flexible solutions, available in 25 countries, provide organizational, intermediate, and depot-level support for electronic warfare, displays, radars, communications, inventory management, and flight- and fire-control systems.
Work on the upgraded Link 16 automated test equipment is being carried out at BAE Systems facilities in San Diego, California, and Wayne, New Jersey.