Defense Enterprise Wideband Satcom Systems

The Defense Enterprise Wideband Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Systems (DEWSS) program is a critical Army initiative under the 2030/2040 Strategic Plan, supporting modernization of Command and Control (C2) systems for joint and next-generation operations. The overarching goal of DEWSS is to ensure Super High Frequency (SHF) wideband military satellite communications readiness and resiliency, directly supporting national strategic and tactical Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C3I) requirements.

This system-of-systems approach integrates large satellite earth terminal antennas, baseband telecommunications, networking equipment, and satellite payload control systems, with oversight from the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the DoD Chief Information Officer. DEWSS is a joint interest program, supporting both U.S. and international partners, and is a key component of the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN).

The B08900/Special Communications Links Program focuses on the Senior National Leadership Communications (SNLC) requirement, which is governed by a bilateral international agreement and designated as a must-fund effort. The program's objective is to modernize unique communications capabilities such as the Direct Communications Link (DCL), Continuous Communications Link (CCL), and Government-to-Government Communications Link (GGCL) to support secure, reliable communications between the U.S. President, Secretary of Defense, Department of State, and their foreign counterparts, including Russia.

These links are essential for diplomatic peacekeeping, arms control, and treaty verification. Funding supports DCL software suite modernization, integration, installation, and training, ensuring compatibility with modern hardware and operating systems.

The BB8416/Enterprise Wideband Satellite Terminal (Mod) - Modernization of Enterprise Terminals (MET) program aims to upgrade fixed X-Band enterprise satellite communications terminals by adding military Ka-Band capability. This modernization increases the capacity of existing facilities and maximizes use of the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) constellation. The MET program incorporates Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) systems, which improve sustainability, reduce life cycle costs, and extend terminal service life beyond 2035.

Funds support engineering, systems integration, post-production integration, testing, installation, technical manual upgrades, life cycle modernization, and procurement of radomes, including High-Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) hardened antennas for presidential communications.

The BB8501/Enterprise Wideband Satellite Terminal Digital EQ line item focuses on procuring and integrating baseband telecommunications equipment, which is essential for connecting DEWSS satellite earth terminals to the DoDIN and other satellite constellations. This effort supports global connectivity for deployed warfighters, reach-back to sustaining bases, and access to enterprise information resources.

Funding is directed toward equipment for new facilities at Ft. Buckner, Japan, and Camp Humphreys, Korea, including power distribution, precision timing systems, and encryption. The program also funds the Enterprise Digital Intermediate Frequency Multi-carrier (EDIM) Modem, which supports future digital architectures and enhances communications resiliency and network diversity.

The BB8509/Enterprise Wideband Sat Payload Control System is responsible for the Wideband SATCOM Operational Management System (WSOMS), which manages planning and resource allocation for the WGS constellation. WSOMS integrates COTS hardware and software to streamline mission planning, improve operational network capacity, automate payload planning, and enhance resiliency under both stressed and unstressed conditions.

Funding supports the transition of WSOMS subsystems to a common virtual machine environment, reducing physical footprint and energy costs, and increasing automation and reliability. This program requirement will transition to the U.S. Space Force, reflecting a shift in operational responsibility.

Each of these DEWSS subprograms is justified by the need to maintain secure, resilient, and modernized satellite communications infrastructure for both strategic leadership and tactical operations. The programs address evolving threats, technological obsolescence, and the increasing demand for bandwidth and connectivity across the joint force. Investments in software development, systems engineering, hardware modernization, and operational management are tailored to meet validated requirements from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Combatant Commanders, ensuring that the Army and its partners remain prepared for current and future mission needs.