European defense consortium EuroMIDS has been awarded a $322 million contract to build a data communications terminal that enables the secure exchange of tactical information between the US and its allies.
Called the Multifunctional Information Distribution System Low Volume Terminal (MIDS-LVT), the platform will be used to securely relay important information to France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
The networking system is reportedly capable of transferring and receiving text messages, imagery, and digital voice communications.
It can be mounted on aircraft, fixed sites, land vehicles, and surface warships, increasing soldiers’ situational awareness.
In addition to developing a secure communications terminal, EuroMIDS will provide MIDS-LVT software support to the US and its four allies.
Work for the contract will be performed in Paris, Berlin, Rome, and Madrid. It is expected to be finished by June 2027.
‘Jam-Resistant’
The MIDS-LVT reportedly offers “high-capacity, jam-resistant” communication links for tactical information exchange among military units deployed on air, ground, and sea missions.
Thousands of such terminals have been fielded on various military platforms, such as the Eurofighter, Dassault Mirage 2000, NH90 helicopter, and Horizon frigates.
“US Services and many allied nations will deploy MIDS-LVT-equipped aircraft, ships, and ground units in order to provide military commanders with the ability to communicate with their forces by voice, video, and data during all aspects of military operations,” the US Operational Test and Evaluation office said.
