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CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Jan. 23, 2013) Building on a longstanding record of solid leadership supporting the backbone of military communications, leaders of the Data Link Solutions (DLS) joint venture between BAE Systems and Rockwell Collins have signed an agreement to extend this successful relationship.  A ceremonial signing took place at the Carnegie Library in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the agreement.

“The extraordinary success of this joint venture is the result of the trusted and collaborative relationship between Rockwell Collins and BAE Systems,” said Joe Senftle, vice president and general manager, Communications and Control Solutions for BAE Systems. “Extending this agreement signifies our commitment to the next step in fully establishing DLS’s future in tactical data link communications and solutions.”

DLS provides a total system solution for implementing Link-16, which is the tactical backbone for the United States, Allied Nations, and Coalition Forces.  Established in 1996, this joint venture optimizes the combined strengths of two international experts in military communications – BAE Systems and Rockwell Collins.  DLS now supports networked communications in 33 countries operating on Link-16, with an installed base of 6,000 terminals worldwide and a portfolio of more than $2 billion in product orders. As the only provider of all Link-16 variants, DLS is uniquely positioned to provide upgraded capabilities to all Link-16 terminals currently in use worldwide.

Bob Haag, vice president and general manager, Communication and Navigation Products for Rockwell Collins, added, “Data Link Solutions has a proven track record of providing robust tactical data link solutions to meet the mission needs of domestic and international war fighters. The extension of this relationship empowers DLS to sustain the installed base and collaborate on future next-generation tactical data link applications."

This press release contains statements (including certain projections associated with DLS providing Link-16 terminals to the U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command) that are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to U.S. government spending and budgetary policies; potential cancellation or amendments of awards or orders by the U.S. Navy; challenges in the design, development and production of advanced technologies; and competitive product and pricing pressures; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in the Rockwell Collins or BAE Systems Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof.

About Data Link Solutions

Data Link Solutions was established in 1996 by two world leaders in military communications, BAE Systems and Rockwell Collins, to pursue next-generation Link-16 applications. DLS is a leading supplier of qualified Link-16 terminals and software, and global logistics and support services for air, land, and sea-based platforms. DLS has a heritage of more than 20 years of Link-16 design and production experience and more than 4,000 Link-16 systems delivered worldwide. The company has provided Link-16 terminals for more than 40 different platforms in 36 countries, with product offerings that include the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System Class 2 family, the MIDS LVT(1) family of radios, the  MIDS LVT(3) Fighter Data Link, the MIDS LVT(2/11), MIDS Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS), MIDS On Ship (MOS), the URC-138 Link-16 terminal, and various country-unique data links.

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Media contacts:

Liz Ryan Sax, BAE Systems
973.305.2402
liz.ryansax@baesystems.com