Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which military platforms in service are equipped with Multifunction Advanced Data Link.

The Multifunction Advanced Data Link is used by Lightning aircraft. The Lightning Force can also communicate with wider Link 16 datalinks used by a wide variety of assets including other frontline fast jet forces and Type 45 Destroyers.

Defence Digital and the Rapid Capabilities Office are undertaking work on new forms of secure communications and NEXUS combat cloud technology to 'digitise the battlespace'. Through this work, we will ensure seamless and secure connectivity between the existing operational technology and datalinks on our fighting platforms via our secure digital infrastructure, to ultimately, enable the integration of military forces across land, sea, air, cyber and space domains.