@pakistanipower
Read This:
Pakistan’s Data-Links
The Pakistani military makes use of multiple data-link protocols. As details are very scarce, it will not be possible to cover all (or even most) of them, but a look at the Pakistan Air Force (PAF)’s tactical data-link (TDL) usage should offer an idea of how the military’s wider network capabilities function. The PAF’s primary TDLs are the Link-16 MIDS-LVT (Low Volume Terminal) and an indigenously developed solution, which we will refer to as “National Data-Link” (NDL).
The Link-16 is in use with the PAF’s F-16s and the NDL is in use with the JF-17, Mirage ROSE, and – presumably – F-7PG. The earliest official acknowledgement of the NDL occurred in 2010-2011 when the goal of developing an indigenous data-link solution was listed by the
Ministry of Defence Production (MODP). By
2015, the system was in operational use on the JF-17. The Link-16 MIDS LVT and NDL are two separate networks, but it is likely that the PAF’s Erieye and ZDK03 AEW&C are being used to bridge them. As discussed above, this could occur by equipping the Erieye and ZDK03 with multi-link interface systems, which would enable them to receive and process information received from each of the networks in use by the PAF (as well as Army and Navy).
The use of data-link networks such as Link-16, NDL and others (such as the systems being used to network air surveillance radars) makes the PAF a true network-centric force. In practical terms, the PAF’s networked assets have the capacity to share and receive vital tactical information in at least near real-time, enabling them to react to emerging situations in a timely manner. Moreover, the availability of the NDL gives the PAF the flexibility to readily network future airborne assets at will, such as medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAVs. The core technological expertise could be deployed to develop data-link solutions for the Army and Navy as well, if not already underway (or achieved). The software defined radios (SDR) used to support Pakistan’s indigenous data-links are sourced domestically and from overseas (from firms such as Harris as well as Rohde and Schawrz).
It will be interesting to see how the Army and Navy’s network-centric capabilities are developed. It is likely that the armed forces will adopt a model similar in concept to what is being deployed in the U.S. In other words, a combination of different networks with numerous ‘core’ assets, such as AEW&C and frigates, to bridge the Army, Navy and Air Force, especially during joint-operations. Perhaps there may even be an analogue to the U.S. Common Data-Link (CDL) system whereby the respective headquarters or command posts of each service arm can communicate and exchange real-time (or near real-time) data.
To further cement its network-centric nature, the Pakistani military ought to invest in acquiring a satellite communications (SATCOM) network. SATCOM enables the user’s networked assets to communicate and exchange data at beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) range. In other words, at long-range and/or in the midst of heavy natural obstructions, such as mountains. For example, special forces operatives deep within enemy territory could radio vital information to the satellite, which in turn would relay that information to a frigate, which could then use that information as targeting data for its cruise missiles. SATCOM also enables militaries to deploy high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) drones, which could be used to engage in surveillance work as well as air strikes in high-risk environments. These are but a few examples, but it is clear that SATCOM would strengthen Pakistan’s network-centric warfare capacities at the tactical as well as strategic level.
It is without a doubt that Pakistan has made genuinely strong strides in the development of its network-centric warfare capabilities, especially through the development of domestic data-link networks. The success of these programs has enabled the armed forces to acquire valuable capabilities, such as time-sensitive targeting (TST), among others. In addition, Pakistan’s capacity to source domestic data-link solutions has enabled it the freedom to scale its network-centric goals according to its own interests. While there is still considerable room for growth (e.g. SATCOM), the armed forces’ communications capabilities today are indispensable and praiseworthy assets.
https://quwa.org/2016/03/27/pakistans-c4isr-part-4-communications-data-links/
