Enabling USAF to Quickly Repair Viasat’s Advanced MIDS-LVT Units Immediately Improving Operational Capabilities on Battlefield

Viasat Inc., a global communications company, announced on 21 June it was awarded an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract in May 2018, worth up to $42 million by the United States Air Force (USAF) for the purchase of supplemental units, maintenance and support services for Viasat’s AN/USQ-140(V) Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems (MIDS) Low Volume Terminals (LVT). MIDS-LVT units are part of a tactical LINK 16 radio communications system that provides warfighters greater situational awareness by exchanging digital data over a common communication link. LINK 16 is continuously and automatically updated in real-time, reducing the chance of fratricide or duplicate assignments, while increasing mission effectiveness.

Under the ID/IQ contract, the USAF has the ability to quickly provide global defense forces with Viasat’s AN/USQ-140(V) terminal, which will provide assured, real-time, jam-resistant secure transmission of data, voice and position and location information between geographically dispersed military forces operating across the battlespace. The MIDS-LVT units are recognised for enhancing mission effectiveness and improving soldier safety. Today, Viasat currently has over 3,500 MIDS-LVT terminals fielded to 20 customers worldwide.

“Viasat is a leader in LINK 16 MIDS-LVT technology. Enabling our customers to quickly and easily acquire sustainment services and support for our AN/USQ-140(V) MIDS-LVT is critical for combat communications,” said Ken Peterman, President, Government Systems, Viasat. “This ID/IQ contract exemplifies Viasat’s ability to address unique mission requirements today while preparing for the sustainment needs of tomorrow. Viasat’s AN/USQ-140(V) MIDS-LVT will provide USAF customers with greater operational capabilities around the globe.”