The French Navy (Marine Nationale) is experimenting the new L22 tactical data link while its Carrier Strike Group is currently deployed in the Indo-Pacific.
French Navy press release
Since its departure from Toulon on November 28, 2024, as part of the CLEMENCEAU 25 mission, the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) has been testing the new L22 tactical data link (TDL) on its aircrafts, replacing the L11.
In a context where the efficiency of weapons systems and command and control systems demands ever-shorter reaction times, the new-generation L22 TDL, in conjunction with the L16, enables all tactical data concerning an area of operations to be shared in real time.
“Highly secure and based on constantly evolving technology, they significantly increase our ability to understand and control a tactical situation, as well as facilitating decision-making through a shared vision between the different levels of command.” Lieutenant-Commander Jérémie, head of the TDL cell of the French aeromaritime rapid reaction force.
During the first few weeks at sea, the crews of the NH90 ‘Caiman’ helicopters embarked on the Charles De Gaulle aircraft carrier and the frigates forming its escort carried out the tests and conducted the first operational flights. These experiments were made possible thanks to the support of the escort’s combat system experts, the TDL unit of the embarked staff, and teams from the naval aviation practical experimentation and reception center (CEPA/10S) in Toulon.
Throughout the CSG’s deployment, all the L22’s capabilities are put to the test. This was the case in January during the multinational exercise LA PEROUSE 25 off Indonesia. Then again, in February, during the trilateral exercise PACIFIC STELLER. During the latter exercise, the CSG was able to validate situations shared via L22 by Japanese and American vessels, and for the first time, France connected to the American 7th Fleet. This was already the case with the 6th fleet in the Mediterranean and the 5th fleet in the Indian Ocean, with which France regularly operates.
This new capability enables the French CSG to maintain a high level of interoperability with its allies who have this tactical data link, namely the United States, Italy and Canada. In this way, the CSG ensures its control over vast aeromaritime areas, and contributes to the maintenance of an autonomous situational awareness capability. A major asset in an increasingly complex geopolitical context.
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