02 Connect Tactical Data Link System
Link-M
It provides tactical data sharing through national infrastructure rather than foreign systems. As the number of platforms increases, what grows is not external dependency, but independent combat capability on the ground.
Link-M is a platform-independent tactical data link system, secured using national cryptography, which operates over the existing HF and V/UHF radio infrastructure of land, sea and air platforms.
- CMMI Level 5
- National Cryptography Integration
- NATO Link 16/JREAP/Link 22 Data Link Compatibility
How It Works
From your current radio to a secure tactical data network
Illustrative flow - 01 / 04
The HF and V/UHF radios already present on the platforms are used as data transmission channels; there is no need to purchase new radio equipment.
The system has been developed to be independent of any specific platform, operating system or hardware; it is compatible with radios of different makes and generations, as well as with various commercial modem options.
Thanks to integration with national cryptographic devices, the security of the data transmitted remains entirely under national control.
The open architecture provided by the OACE standard allows it to be adapted with minimal effort to operational requirements such as adding, removing or modifying messages; it also covers SATCOM and high-speed IP channels in beyond-line-of-sight scenarios.
This sequence is no coincidence; it is the way to establish sovereignty whilst preserving the existing infrastructure
Problem
The problem is not the inability to share tactical data; it is that such sharing is subject to the authorisation of a third country
NATO-standard tactical data link systems, such as Link 16, Link 22 and JREAP, form the fundamental infrastructure for real-time information sharing between platforms on the battlefield. However, these systems are solutions that rely on foreign suppliers, are subject to modification restrictions and require export licences.
This situation creates a risk of external dependency and a threat to sovereignty in tactical communications, particularly for countries that are not NATO members or have national cryptographic requirements. Even if the system is procured, making changes to its architecture or adapting it to new operational requirements requires the approval of a third party.
Platform Engineer / Integrator
Due to the closed architecture of the third-party system, integration and modification are subject to the third party’s approval.
Procurement / Logistics
Export licence procedures make the supply schedule and modernisation plans dependent on approval from an external party.
Operations team
As the national crypto requirement cannot be met, foreign systems cannot be used for certain operations.
Organisation
Control over and the sustainability of the tactical communications infrastructure remain outside national control.
Forming a bond isn’t difficult. What is difficult is not remaining dependent on someone else’s permission as that bond grows.
Solution
As the number of platforms increases, it is not dependence on external sources that grows, but rather the sharing of data across the national infrastructure
The solution lies in linking tactical data sharing not to the closed architecture of foreign systems, but to an infrastructure developed in Türkiye with national cryptography and full ownership of the source code. When the HF and V/UHF radio infrastructure already in place on these platforms is used as a data transmission channel, a tactical data network can be established without having to wait for a new procurement or authorisation process.
Sovereignty begins not on the ground, but in the data link itself
Product
What is Link-M?
Link-M is the product that brings to life the architecture described in the Solution: a national and original Tactical Data Link System developed by MilSOFT. It enables secure tactical data sharing between land, sea and air platforms via existing or new HF and V/UHF radio infrastructure.
With its national cryptography integration and platform-independent architecture, it is designed for armed forces seeking to establish an indigenous tactical data link capability without relying on foreign systems or being subject to ITAR restrictions. Its open architecture, developed in accordance with the OACE standard, is not a retrofitted compliance layer but forms the very foundation of the product.
Link-M is not a Turkish-made equivalent of a NATO-standard terminal. It is a nationally owned infrastructure that enables the sharing of tactical data without the need for a foreign system.
Capabilities
National Cryptography Integration
The security of tactical data is maintained entirely under national control; there is no reliance on foreign cryptographic infrastructure.
Goal: The security of tactical data should depend on national oversight, not on approval by a third party.
Data Routing Compatibility with NATO Links
Two-way data transmission is provided via the Link 16, Link 22 and JREAP systems; interoperability with NATO platforms is maintained during coalition operations.
Goal: To be able to work alongside NATO without compromising the priority of sovereignty.
Platform-, Operating System- and Hardware-Independent Architecture
It can be integrated into any type of land, sea or air platform, regardless of make or model.
Goal: To present platform independence not as a mere claim, but as a capability that applies across the board.
Uses the existing HF and V/UHF radio infrastructure
A tactical data network is established via the existing radio infrastructure without the need for investment in additional radio equipment.
Goal: To safeguard the existing investment without having to commit to a new procurement process.
OACE-Standardised Open Architecture
Changes can be made to the message structure with minimal effort, depending on operational requirements; it is possible to add, remove or modify messages.
Goal: Not to wait for a third party’s approval when a new operational requirement arises.
The Difference
Why Link-M?
How does Link-M differ from NATO-standard tactical data link systems?
NATO-standard tactical data link systems (Link 16, Link 22, JREAP) are widely accepted solutions; however, dependence on foreign suppliers, limited rights to modification and export controls are common weaknesses of these systems. Link-M meets the same requirement — cross-platform tactical data sharing — through a nationally owned engineering model.
Open architecture is the starting point.
The OACE standard is not a compliance layer added at a later stage, but forms the basis of the product.
It ensures technological sovereignty.
National cryptography integration and full ownership of the source code eliminate the need for the update to be subject to authorisation from a third country.
It protects the existing investment.
The HF and V/UHF radio infrastructure already in place on the platforms is utilised; there is no need to purchase new radio equipment.
It grows with the mission.
Four distinct models, ranging from standalone operation to full integration with a mission computer or Mil-CMS; the same architecture remains in place regardless of the platform.
It does not exclude existing NATO infrastructure.
Thanks to data-link compatibility with Link 16, Link 22 and JREAP, interoperability with NATO platforms is maintained.
Use Cases
Land Platforms
It is used as a tactical data network infrastructure in vehicles and command centres.
Naval Platforms
It enables the sharing of tactical data between ships and maritime assets via the existing radio infrastructure.
Air Platforms
It enables air platforms to be integrated into the tactical data network without the need for additional hardware investment.
Coalition Operations (Non-NATO Forces)
The sharing of tactical data between non-NATO forces and NATO platforms using Link 16, Link 22 and JREAP is made possible by Link-M’s data-routing capability; this eliminates the need to purchase NATO terminal equipment or obtain an ITAR licence.
Modernisation Projects (Forces with NATO Tactical Data Link Infrastructure)
It acts as a bridge between different link systems, serving as a complementary layer within forces that already have an existing NATO link infrastructure.
Technology and Standards
Architecture
- Software architecture
- The platform is independent of the operating system and hardware; it features an open architecture in accordance with the OACE standard.
- Transport layer
- Existing HF and V/UHF radio infrastructure; SATCOM and high-speed IP network channels for beyond-line-of-sight scenarios.
- Security
- Integration with national crypto devices; data security is entirely under national control.
- Integration models
- Standalone – Integrated into the mission computer – Integration into the K2 system via an adapter – Direct integration with Mil-CMS.
Standards and Interoperability
- NATO Link 16 data relay
- Available
- NATO Link 22 data relay
- Available
- NATO JREAP data relay
- Available
- OACE open architecture standard
- Available
Who Is It For?
Decision-maker
The freedom to expand tactical communications capabilities without being dependent on suppliers or authorisations.
Platform Engineer / Integrator
Four distinct integration models; application flexibility achieved either by integrating the existing K2 system without modification or by incorporating it into the platform computer from scratch.
Procurement / Logistics team
No need for investment in additional radio equipment.
Operations team
A tactical data network secured by the national cryptographic system and operating over the existing radio infrastructure.
Organisation
A tactical data link infrastructure based on open standards, subject to audit and under national ownership; technological sovereignty.
Layer 02 - Connect
Related Solutions
Connect Multi-Tactical Data Link Processor Mil-DLP Mil-DLP is a Data Link Processor developed in Türkiye by MilSOFT, which processes various tactical data link protocols used on naval, air and land platforms within a single system. Explore
Connect Real-Time Data Distribution Layer Mil-DDS Mil-DDS is a Data Distribution Middleware developed in Türkiye that enables real-time data distribution within a publish-subscribe architecture in distributed defence systems. Explore
Connect Mobile Tactical Network System Mil-LINK Mil-LINK is a Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) solution developed in Türkiye by MilSOFT, which enables IP-based communication and information sharing between naval, air and land platforms. Explore
Next Step
Maintain your independence when sharing data
Link-M is a Turkish-owned national solution that enables the sharing of tactical data, secured by national cryptography, via the existing radio infrastructure of land, sea and air platforms. It scales with the same architecture, from standalone operation to full integration with Mil-CMS.
There are two ways to integrate Link-M into your own platform architecture:
- 01 Technical assessment package Product documentation and integration model guide.
- 02 Integration workshop Joint assessment based on your current platform architecture.