The U.S. government announced that Canada is purchasing new radios as part of its upgrade of CF-18 fighter jets and Hercules transport planes. The Canadian government will spend $58 million ($44 million) U.S. buying the 152 MIDS-JTRS radios.

“Canada intends to upgrade its current inventory of CF-18 Aircraft, CC-130J, and the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Ground Stations with the purchase of these MIDS JTRS (5) terminals to be fully interoperable with U.S. and allied forces to support and compliment joint operations in a net-enabled environment; have modernized electronic protection and secure, jam-resistant wave forms; and be capable of improved Link 16 message exchange and information fidelity including support to advanced weapon employment,” the U.S Defense Security Cooperation Agency noted.

Distroscale

Also included are spare cables and MIDS batteries; Link-16 mobile racks; diagnostic support tools; technical documentation; training and engineering technical support; and other related elements of logistics and program support.

Viasat, Incorporated, headquartered in Carlsbad, CA, and Data Link Solutions, headquartered in Cedar Rapids, IA, will provide the equipment.