Battle Force Tactical Network

The Battle Force Tactical Network is a Navy procurement program focused on enhancing shipboard communications capabilities across the fleet. The primary goal of this line item is to provide secure, resilient, and high-capacity tactical networking infrastructure for naval battle forces. This network is designed to support real-time data exchange, situational awareness, and command and control functions among ships, aircraft, and shore-based assets. The program falls under the Other Procurement, Navy appropriation, specifically within the Communications & Electronics Equipment budget activity and the Shipboard Communications sub-activity.

For Fiscal Years 2024 through 2026, the Battle Force Tactical Network is allocated increasing funding. These investments are intended to procure and field advanced networking hardware, software, and supporting components. The objectives include upgrading legacy systems, integrating new technologies, and ensuring interoperability with joint and coalition partners. The program is classified as Service Ready (ID Code A), indicating that the capabilities being procured are intended for operational deployment rather than research or development.

The specific goals of the Battle Force Tactical Network include improving the speed and reliability of tactical communications, enabling distributed maritime operations, and supporting information dominance in contested environments. The network is expected to facilitate secure voice, video, and data communications, supporting both routine operations and high-tempo combat scenarios.

By modernizing shipboard communications, the Navy aims to enhance its ability to coordinate complex missions, respond to emerging threats, and maintain operational security. Procurement activities under this line item focus on acquiring network infrastructure such as routers, switches, encryption devices, and wireless communication systems. The program also includes initial spares funding to ensure sustainment and readiness of deployed systems.

These procurements are justified by the need to replace aging equipment, address cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and support new operational concepts such as distributed lethality and naval integration with joint forces. The Battle Force Tactical Network is managed by Navy acquisition agencies responsible for shipboard communications, with oversight from program offices specializing in tactical networks and cyber defense.

Coordination with other Navy and Department of Defense programs ensures that the network aligns with broader modernization efforts, including the integration of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced sensor systems. The program does not have related Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAP) or Major Automated Information Systems (MAIS) codes, indicating its focus on procurement rather than development of new platforms.

While the details of the Battle Force Tactical Network are classified and submitted to Congress in classified budget justification books, the unclassified summary highlights its role in supporting the Navy's strategic objectives. The program is essential for maintaining fleet connectivity, enabling rapid decision-making, and supporting multi-domain operations. By investing in robust tactical networking capabilities, the Navy seeks to ensure that its battle forces remain agile, resilient, and effective in a rapidly evolving threat environment.