Through advanced systems design and information architecture, DSTA delivers robust and enduring tactical data links for platforms and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) that enhance the SAF’s Integrated Knowledge-based Command and Control capabilities.

A data link is the basic component that provides information exchange, which is key to generating a common operational picture for war fighters. This information exchange must be interoperable across all war-fighting domains (air, land and sea).

Based on its experience in developing the System-of-Systems Realisation Framework, DSTA embarked on delivering an advanced tactical data link architecture that supports the concept of a networked fighting force.

The DSTA team developed modular and dedicated data links that leverage advanced networking waveforms and indigenous employment concepts. The resulting architecture achieves more effective spectrum utilisation to meet the desired concept of operations. Previously, operating a particular UAS may entail tapping the spectrum of another system, which could affect networked operations. With the new architecture, trade off issues are reduced.

The team adopted best practices on data strategy and developed common enterprise services. As a result, different message standards and information exchange protocols and processes are harmonised to achieve better data link interoperability.

With the architecture solution, the SAF is able to allocate and prioritise the use of strategic resources more efficiently, as well as overcome the challenges of acquiring different types of UAS from multiple suppliers. Most importantly, the architecture provides a flexible and scalable design that enables the migration of existing capabilities onto next-generation platforms. This creates greater capacity to meet the increasingly complex mission objectives of the SAF.