Joint Tactical Radio System

JTRS HMS (Handheld, Manpack & Small Form-Fit (SFF)) radios are jointly developed and manufactured by Thales and General Dynamics Mission Systems.

[2][3][4][5][6][7] Launched with a Mission Needs Statement on August 21, 1997 and a subsequent Operational Requirements Document (ORD) on March 23, 1998 (which was revised several times), the original name was simply Joint Tactical Radio (JTR).

The ORD started with 38 Threshold waveforms/radios and 4 Objective waveforms to support operations in three domain: Airborne, Maritime, and Ground Forces.

The JTRS program was beset by delays and cost overruns, particularly Ground Mobile Radios (GMR), run by Boeing.

It governs the structure and operation of the JTRS, enabling programmable radios to load waveforms, run applications, and be networked into an integrated system.

The Object Management Group (OMG), a not-for-profit consortium that produces and maintains computer industry specifications for interoperable enterprise applications, is working toward building an international commercial standard based on the SCA.

NED's product line consists of: JTRS GMR are a key enabler of the DoD and Army Transformation and will provide critical communications capabilities across the full spectrum of Joint operations.

MIDS is a secure, scalable, modular, wireless, and jam-resistant digital information system currently providing Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN), Link-16, and J-Voice to airborne, ground, and maritime joint and coalition warfighting platforms.

MIDS provides real-time and low-cost information and situational awareness via digital and voice, communications within the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Enterprise.

In March 2006, the JPEO recommended changing the management structure, reducing the scope of the project, extending the deadline, and adding money.

A September 2006 Government Accountability Office report said these changes had helped reduce the risk of more cost and schedule overruns to "moderate.

[citation needed] On June 22, 2007, the Joint Program Executive Office issued the first JTRS-Approved radio (not JTRS-Certified) production contract.

Additionally, the JTRS Ground Mobile Radio program, originally funded at around $370 million, has now exceeded $1 billion despite reduced requirements.

[12] During the Iraq War, the USMC developed their own system using commercial off the shelf technology, combining satcoms with wifi, that has worked ever since.