The Link 16 Alaska (LAK) program is a Department of Defense standard, joint interoperable
tactical data link that provides for visualization of target interest data and other time
critical data links in near real-time exchanges, thereby allowing decisions to be made and
relayed within the command structure in shorter periods of time. Currently in use as a tool
in homeland and missile ballistic defense by all levels of command within the Department of
Defense, as well as by NATO and other U.S. allies, the LAK program exchanges coordinates as
well as tracking and command and control directions for air operations from aircraft, ships,
ground-based radars, and Command and Control centers. The application uses sensors distributed
throughout the state to collect regional surveillance data, which is collected and displayed
in the operations center at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, then distributed to remote sites for
relay to tactical units.
Ultra Electronics, ProLogic has been contracted by the United States Air Force to provide an
encrypted data transfer network of Link 16 track messages and remote equipment control and
status monitoring data for a distributed network of unmanned MIDS terminals covering the
state of Alaska. Ultra Electronics, ProLogic is also responsible for the development, integration,
and installation of new technical and physical components of the application.
DEW (Distant Early Warning Site). Photo courtesy US Air Force.