US approves sale of tactical radio systems to Australia
22 April 2022
The US State Department has approved Australia’s request to purchase Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS JTRS) and related equipment for an estimated cost of US$42 million (A$56 million).
The Commonwealth requested to buy 106 MIDS JTRS (5) terminals; 15 MIDS JTRS (6) terminals; seven MIDS-Low Volume Terminal (MIDS-LVT) (4) Block Upgrade Two (BU2) retrofit kits; and Low Volume Terminal (LVT) Cryptographic Modules (LCM).
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.
“Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region.
“It is vital to the US national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defence capability.”
The proposed sale is expected to improve Australia’s capability to interoperate with US forces and exchange secure, jam-resistant tactical data via Link 16.
“Australia will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and strengthen its homeland defence,” the DSCA continued.
“Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.”
The principal contractors will be Viasat and Data Link Solutions.
In February, the US also approved a US$122 million ($168.7 million) purchase request from the Commonwealth for Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and related equipment.
Source: ADM