Comms, Nav Surveillance

The Comms, Nav Surveillance program within the Army's Aircraft Procurement budget is focused on the modification and modernization of Army aviation platforms with advanced communication, navigation, and surveillance capabilities. The primary objectives are to enhance aircraft situational awareness, ensure secure and accurate navigation and timing, and improve command and control (C2) communications for both active and reserve components. This program supports Army Transformation Initiatives and is aligned with modernization priorities such as Future Vertical Lift (FVL) and Network, as well as statutory requirements for homeland defense and support to civil authorities.

Army Aviation Navigation Systems are a major component of this line item, including upgrades to the Doppler GPS Navigation Set (DGNS) and Embedded GPS Inertial Navigation System (EGI). The DGNS is primarily used on non-bussed utility and cargo helicopters, while EGI is integrated into modernized cargo, utility, attack, and special operations aircraft. Upgrades such as the DGNS Computer Display Unit and GPS Anti-jam Antenna are being installed on Blackhawk UH-60A/L and HH-60A/L fleets to reduce pilot workload and provide enhanced Assured-Position, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT) capabilities. Pre-Planned Product Improvement (P3I) EGI kits are being fielded to multiple fleets to meet civil airspace requirements and improve operational effectiveness.

Aviation Tactical Communication Systems (ATCS) is another key program under this line item, supporting both Future Vertical Lift and Network priorities. ATCS procures, integrates, and fields A-Kits and B-Kits to meet Army Aviation's evolving C2 requirements, including C2 Fix and Next Generation C2 (NGC2) capabilities. The Multi-mode Aviation Radio Set (MARS) ARC-231A system is the centerpiece of ATCS, providing secure, crypto-modernized communications with DoD and coalition partners. The ARC-231A is the primary Air Traffic Control communications platform, facilitating safe aircrew and passenger operations. It also supports Transformation in Contact (TiC) initiatives through reliable air-to-ground communications and rapid adaptability via software-defined radio technology.

Blue Force Tracking Aviation (BFT-A) is also funded under Comms, Nav Surveillance, delivering critical situational awareness and messaging capabilities for brigade-level and below aviation units. BFT-2 enables near real-time, beyond-line-of-sight tracking of friendly and enemy forces, supporting integration of unmanned crew vehicles and air-launched effects in complex operational environments. This capability is essential for effective C2 in large-scale combat operations and supports the Army's modernization goals for both FVL and Network.

The program includes substantial investments in recurring and non-recurring engineering, systems integration, fielding, training, and test and evaluation. Key manufacturers involved are BAE International (DGNS and MARS), Mayflower Communications (A-Kits and GPS Anti-Jam Antennas), and Honeywell Incorporated (EGI), with production and installation managed through Modification Work Orders (MWO). These efforts ensure that Army aviation platforms remain interoperable, resilient to electronic threats, and compliant with evolving operational and regulatory requirements.

Funding for FY 2026 is allocated to support procurement of ARC-231A radios, aircraft production line modifications, system test and evaluation, and software integration for crypto-modernization. The program's budget also reflects reductions for advisory and assistance services in line with government efficiency initiatives. The investments made through Comms, Nav Surveillance are necessary for both homeland defense and military support to civil authorities, as mandated by the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act.