Hensoldt has launched the sixth generation of its data link solution, the DL-6000, at the Idex 2025 exhibition underway this week in Abu Dhabi.
“Engineered to deliver exceptional security and reliability, the DL-6000 enables seamless, long-range, line-of-sight HD video and telemetry data exchange across multiple platforms,” the company said.
Optimised for long range line of sight (LOS) applications up to 250 km, the DL-6000 is a high-data communications link that, being internet protocol (IP) based, provides the transmission of secure, high-definition video and telemetry data from unmanned and rotary-wing airborne platforms to ground-based command and control centres. Several radios may be networked together, enabling distributed payload and platform control, as well as display capabilities.
“In modern defence and communications systems, the interconnection between technologies determines the real tactical and strategic advantage. The DL-6000 serves as the critical backbone that seamlessly connects sensors, platforms and operators, ensuring real-time data exchange for mission success,” said Marcus Reuter, Key Accounts Manager of Hensoldt South Africa’s Radar business unit.
The terminal is a software-defined radio (SDR), incorporating system on module (SOM) architecture, which provides users with future-proof flexibility and performance adaptability to changing operational requirements. It also offers full backwards compatibility with the Hensoldt DL-5000 range of data links, the company elaborated.
“Our robust spread-spectrum technology ensures low probability of intercept (LPI) and low probability of detection (LPD) and provides excellent anti-jamming capabilities, which allows the DL-6000 to withstand challenging electromagnetic warfare environments,” Hensoldt said. “Due to its inherent low latency, fast, accurate and reliable data and video allows the operator and the command team to make confident, expedited decisions when it matters most.”
The DL-6000 is a complete data link solution bundled into a single STANAG-4586-compliant radio, especially optimised for ease of integration within manned and unmanned platforms due to its smaller, single-form footprint and wide range of discreet data and video interfaces.
“We realise the strategic significance of localisation initiatives and therefore can work closely with partners to position DL-6000 to benefit in local capabilities,” said Reuter on the topic of localisation. As it is manufactured in South Africa, the DL-6000 is free from EU/USA export controls.
With five generations preceding the DL-6000, Hensoldt has supplied data links for decades, supporting integrators in South Africa for both local and international markets. Over the years, Hensoldt has established itself as a key data links supplier in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. In 2024, Hensoldt South Africa achieved a record-high order intake for data links.
Hensoldt South Africa’s first generation data link, developed by Tellumat before its acquisition by Hensoldt, was the analogue high power DL-1000 Microwave Communication System. This was followed by the DL-2000 hybrid (digital DSSS uplink, analogue encrypted downlink), the fully symmetrical digital DL-3000 and its HD-Video derivative DL-4000, and lightweight, small form-factor DL-5100 UHF Control Data Link and C-Band DL-5000 Payload Data Link.
