Multi-Link Test Facility Upgrade and Operational Support

Client: UK Ministry of Defence

End Customers: Royal Air Force and Royal Navy

SyntheSys Defence Systems (SDS) was contracted to deliver and operate the UK Ministry of Defence's (MoD) Multi-Link Test Facility (MLTF), a critical asset for validating Tactical Data Link (TDL) interoperability. Supporting the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) partners, MLTF ensures platform compliance with UK and NATO standards.

Scope of Work

Design, build and integration of test equipment across distributed platform rigs

• Full simulation and scenario capability for Link 11, Link 16 and Joint Range Extension Applications Protocol (JREAP), with expansion to Variable Message Format (VMF) and Link 22
• Secure connectivity to NATO Combined Federated Battle Laboratories Network (CFBLNet) and, in the UK, the Joint Multi-National Interoperability Assurance Network (JMNIAN)
• Training, documentation, accreditation and operational support
• Integration with MoD organisations, including Number 56 Squadron Operational Evaluation Unit (56 Sqn OEU), E-3D Software Support Team, Sentinel Project Team and 849 Naval Air Squadron

Challenges

• Multi-platform integration with legacy and modern systems e.g. Sentry E-3D, Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control (SKASaC), Sentinel R1, Type 23 Frigate (T23), Type 45 Destroyer (T45), Queen Elizabeth Carrier (QEC), and Type 26 Frigate (T26)
• Achieving Full Operating Capability (FOC) within a compressed timeline
• Security accreditation and site-specific compliance for multiple highly classified environments

Outcomes

• System Architecture Design and Deployment: Delivered a robust and scalable MLTF architecture using CS Group's Tactical Communications Toolkit (TACTX), Data Link Gateway Unit (DLGU) 16/11/JREAP, Standard Interface for Multiple Platform Link Evaluation (SIMPLE) Node Router, and Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS)/Sensor Gateway
• Platform Rig Integration: Connected E-3D Mission Equipment Facility (MEF), Sentinel Mission System Reference Sample Facility (MSRSF), SKASaC Full Mission Trainer (FMT), T23, T45, QEC and T26 test rigs to the MLTF via custom-configured Rig Interface Units (RIUs) and sensor simulation gateways
• Scenario and Standards Compliance: Supported full scenario creation using STANAG 5602, NATO TDL Standard and Military Standard (MIL-STD) message baselines, with testing across Link 11, Link 16, JREAP and more
• Security Accreditation: Successfully secured interim and then full accreditation for all MLTF sites, meeting Joint Services Publication (JSP) 440 and other MoD directives (including Secure by Design)
• UK Tactical Data Link Interoperability Test (UK TDLIOT) Programme: Initiated and led the UK TDLIOT series with structured planning, execution, analysis and reporting

Impact

• Sustained Excellence: Since 2007, SDS has evolved from support contractor to becoming the MoD's prime contractor, maintaining uninterrupted service. Performance has consistently exceeded KPIs and the service has recently been re-let until 2027
• Operational Assurance: MLTF underpins the UK's ability to ensure real-time interoperability across TDL-equipped platforms and coalition forces. SDS has now supported over 40 multi-national interoperability trials and continues to provide significant support to its stakeholders
• Strategic Integration: Enabled verification of integration and future capabilities for platforms such as QEC, Lightning II (F-35B), and emerging Network Enabled Weapons (NEW) systems
• Training: Delivered high-quality training with universally positive feedback, ensuring user independence and system competence