Defense Enterprise Wideband Satcom Systems

The Defense Enterprise Wideband Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Systems program is designed to enhance military satellite communications readiness and resiliency. This initiative supports critical national strategic and tactical Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C3I) requirements. It operates under the oversight of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer. The program serves as a key component of the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN), with its primary objective being to provide end-to-end network connectivity for strategic and combatant command communications. This is achieved through a system of systems that includes large satellite earth terminal antennas, baseband telecommunications, networking equipment, and satellite payload control planning and management systems.

The Special Communications Links Program within this initiative focuses on maintaining essential communication capabilities for high-level diplomatic interactions. It supports the Senior National Leadership Communications (SNLC) program through modernization efforts mandated by international agreements. The program ensures continuous communication links between U.S. leadership and foreign counterparts for diplomatic peacekeeping, arms control, and treaty verification purposes. This effort is crucial for maintaining international relations and ensuring global stability.

The Enterprise Wideband Satellite Terminal Modernization (MET) aims to upgrade fixed X-Band enterprise satellite communications terminals by adding military Ka-Band capability. This enhancement allows the Army to maximize its use of the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) constellation. The MET's modular design incorporates Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) systems to improve sustainability, reduce life cycle costs, and extend the terminal family’s operational life beyond 2035. This modernization effort is integral to maintaining robust communication capabilities across various global installations.

The Enterprise Wideband Sat Payload Control System focuses on integrating commercial telecommunications hardware with software applications to optimize the use of the WGS constellation. Modernizations in this area aim to streamline mission planning, improve operational network capacity and availability, integrate data analytics for system performance monitoring, resolve bandwidth constraints, and enhance resiliency under various operational conditions. These efforts ensure that combatant commands can maintain reliable communications even in stressed environments, supporting both current operations and future demands as capabilities transition from the U.S. Army to the U.S. Space Force.