In 2024, the U.S. Navy awarded BAE Systems an $85 million production contract to provide additional Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL) systems. The NTCDL will enable the real-time exchange of voice, data, imagery, and full-motion video from various air, surface, subsurface, and man-portable sources. The systems being developed under the current contract are currently being installed on U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and will also be installed on the new Constellation-class frigates.
“We have designed and produced a faster, next-generation system to meet the evolving connectivity mission requirements of our customers,” said Amber Dolan, director of Adaptive Communications and Sensing at BAE Systems. “BAE Systems is committed to providing the U.S. Navy with a trusted and secure solution for transmitting and receiving the critical information needed to accomplish its missions across the fleet.”
The NTCDL is a multi-platform solution that addresses all U.S. Navy Common Data Link (CDL) requirements. It is a modular, scalable system designed to increase link capacity and adapt to waveform evolution. The NTCDL supports multiple simultaneous networked operations using existing CDL equipment as well as next-generation manned and unmanned platforms. This allows operators to simultaneously transmit and receive real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data from multiple sources, while exchanging command and control information across separate or independent networks. Such capabilities enable effective communication among forces, helping to maintain a strategic advantage.
This award modifies an existing contract with BAE Systems to extend the program’s period of performance by three years. As the original developer and manufacturer of the NTCDL system, BAE Systems has the engineering and production capabilities to meet the program's urgent fielding timeline.
Work on this contract will be performed at BAE Systems facilities in Maryland, Colorado, New Jersey, and New York.
