Army Communications & Electronics

The Army Communications & Electronics program, as outlined in Line Item 9887B88810 of the Department of Defense (DoD) FY 2026 budget, is a procurement-focused initiative under the Army's Other Procurement appropriation. The primary objective of this line item is to fund the acquisition of communications and electronic equipment, as well as associated support equipment, that are essential for operational use within the Army's communications, information dominance, and multi-domain battlespace environments. This program is managed by the U.S. Army and is vital for ensuring that Army units are equipped with modern, reliable, and secure communications capabilities.

The procurement request for FY 2026 supports the purchase and fielding of communications and electronic systems that are critical for command and control, situational awareness, and interoperability across Army formations. The program encompasses not only the end-user equipment but also the integral costs necessary to deliver these systems in a ready-to-use state, including installation, integration, and initial support.

The principal component funded under this line item aggregates the procurement of a variety of communications platforms and electronic devices, which may include tactical radios, satellite communications terminals, networking hardware, encryption devices, and other battlefield communications solutions. The goal is to provide Army units with the tools needed to maintain secure, resilient, and high-capacity communications in contested and complex operational environments.

The objectives of the Army Communications & Electronics program are closely aligned with broader Army modernization priorities. By investing in advanced communications and electronics, the Army aims to enhance its ability to conduct multi-domain operations, integrate with joint and coalition forces, and maintain information superiority. The program also supports the Army's efforts to replace aging legacy systems, address emerging threats in the cyber and electronic warfare domains, and ensure that communications infrastructure keeps pace with technological advancements.

Justification for this procurement centers on the need to sustain and modernize the Army's communications backbone, which is foundational to mission command and operational effectiveness. As adversaries develop more sophisticated means of disrupting or intercepting communications, the Army must continually upgrade its equipment to ensure secure and reliable connectivity. The requested funding enables the Army to address capability gaps, field new technologies, and provide units with the communications tools necessary for both current and future operations.

While the detailed breakdown of specific systems and quantities is classified and provided in the Congressional Justification Book, the unclassified summary highlights the comprehensive nature of the program. It covers all costs integral to delivering operational communications and electronic systems, including procurement, integration, and initial fielding support. The program is structured to be flexible and responsive to evolving operational requirements, ensuring that Army communications capabilities remain robust and adaptive.