The systems are procured for the effective management of the Link 16 data network that provides the war fighter with the instant and amalgamated picture of the operational environment. This picture is not only obtained through the fighter's own sensors but more and more compiled on the basis of data received from other sources, such as ground reconnaissance, AWACS, etc. Thus, the Thales system will substantially increase the war fighter’s situational awareness, will prevent loss of valuable decision time and hence will increase the effectiveness of the Netherlands Armed Forces. The Netherlands' Data Link Management System will be operated by the Netherlands’ National Datalink Management Cell in which Air Force, Navy and Army are represented.

About Thales
Thales is an international electronics and systems group serving defence, aerospace, security and services markets. The Group employs 60,000 people worldwide and generated revenues of 10.3 billion euros in 2005. Thales Communications B.V., part of the Land & Joint Division of the Thales Group, is the leading defence communications company in The Netherlands. Supplier of high quality integrated communications systems for both armed forces and commercial organisations with requirements for high technology multimedia networks, the company is well equipped to develop, produce and maintain innovative communication products over complete lifecycles.

Press contact
Thales Nederland
Frank van de Wiel
Tel: +31 (0)74 24 82 951
frank.vandewiel@nl.thalesgroup.com