Tactical data link

All military C3 systems use standardized TDL to transmit, relay and receive tactical data.

Multi-TDL network (MTN) refers to the network of similar and dissimilar TDLs integrated through gateways, translators, and correlators to bring the common tactical picture and/or common operational picture together.

The term tactical digital information link (TADIL) was made obsolete (per DISA guidance) and is now more commonly seen as tactical data link (TDL).

TDLs are characterized by their standard message and transmission formats.

In NATO, tactical data link standards are being developed by the Data Link Working Group (DLWG) of the Information Systems Sub-Committee (ISSC) in line with the appropriate STANAG.

IT technicians study TDL data on a computer terminal (US Naval Network and Space Operations Command) in a June 2004 image