EHF SATELLITE COMMUNICATION

The EHF SATELLITE COMMUNICATION program, as outlined in budget line item 9903BC4000, is a critical component of the Army's efforts to modernize its tactical communications infrastructure. This line item directly supports the Army Network Modernization Priority and aligns with the Army of 2030 and 2040 initiatives. The primary objective of this program is to procure and field advanced satellite communication (SATCOM) terminals and modems that provide highly resilient, protected, and anti-jam communications capabilities for Army tactical units operating in contested and complex environments.

A central goal of the EHF SATELLITE COMMUNICATION line is the development and deployment of Protected Anti-Jam Tactical SATCOM (Protected SATCOM) systems. These systems are designed to ensure that Army tactical terminals maintain robust connectivity and situational awareness, even in the presence of deliberate or unintentional electronic interference. The program specifically addresses the risk of catastrophic loss of command and control during critical battle movements by incorporating advanced anti-jam features.

The program includes procurement and integration of the Resilient Anti-Jam Modem (RAM), formerly known as Block II Small Form Factor (SFF). RAM is an Army-specific requirement that provides adaptive, anti-jam communications for on-the-move and early entry satellite terminals. Its objective is to deliver the highest levels of protected communications in support of multi-domain operations, ensuring that Army units can operate effectively in environments where adversaries may attempt to disrupt communications.

Another significant component is the Air Force/Army Anti-Jam Modem (A3M), which is a joint effort between the Army and the U.S. Space Force (USSF). The A3M is intended to provide tactical-level protection against both intentional and unintentional interference, enhancing the resilience of Army communications. While RAM is an Army-only requirement, A3M represents a broader joint capability that supports interoperability and shared objectives across services.

The Protected SATCOM program also supports the initial development, testing, and certification of production-representative Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW) modems. These modems are being developed to incorporate Army-specific requirements and to enable continued spiral development of protected communications technologies. The objective is to ensure that the Army can rapidly adapt to emerging threats and maintain communications superiority in increasingly contested electromagnetic environments.

In FY 2025, the Army consolidated the EHF SATELLITE COMMUNICATION (BC4000) funding line into the broader SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS (B56000) program. This consolidation was implemented to streamline program management and budget execution, and it was approved with the FY 2025 full-year continuing resolution. As a result, FY 2026 marks the first year that the Army is presenting the B56000 funding line, with retroactive adjustments applied for FY 2025.

The justification for this budget line emphasizes the importance of maintaining resilient and protected communications for Army operations in multi-domain and contested environments. The program is guided by the Protected/Resilient SATCOM Abbreviated Capabilities Development Document (CDD), which was validated and approved on March 1, 2024. By investing in advanced SATCOM technologies, the Army aims to mitigate emerging threats, ensure uninterrupted command and control, and support the operational effectiveness of its forces well into the future.