Radioflash! Episode 21: I Link Therefore I Am
From Armada Analysis - Podcasts by Thomas Withington
September 11, 2025 · 10 min
About this episode
Episode 21 features a discussion with filmmaker Sean Bergesen about the history and impact of tactical datalinks in military operations.
A new film documentary is in development that reveals the fascinating history of tactical datalinks and the impact they have had on military operations around the world. Tactical Datalinks (TDLs) help reduce the Clausewitzian ‘fog of war’ by improving situational awareness. TDLs have been around in some shape or form since the Second World War. It was during that conflict that the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) pioneered the technology via its Bernhard/Bernhardine system. This early TDL let fighter crews receive basic written data on the location of their targets. Information was sent in written form across a surface-to-air radio link and printed on paper tape in the fighter cockpit. Following that conflict, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) spearheaded further TDL development. This effort resulted in Link-11/22 and Link-16. The latter primarily supports air operations by sharing track and tactical information while Link-11/22 does much the same for the maritime domain. Today, scores of TDLs are in service around the world. A new film documentary called Timber Sweet is in the offing which tells the fascinating story of the tactical datalink’s development, and the impact…
People in this episode
Host: Thomas Withington
Guest: Sean Bergesen
Topics covered
- tactical datalinks
- military operations
- film documentary
- situational awareness
- history of technology
Keywords
- tactical datalinks
- military technology
- situational awareness
- Luftwaffe
- NATO
- Link-11
- Link-16
- Timber Sweet
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, Luftwaffe
Books & works: Timber Sweet
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