Family of Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals

The Family of Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals (FBLOST) program is a key Air Force initiative under the Department of Defense's Space Procurement appropriation, focused on modernizing and sustaining secure, resilient communications for nuclear and conventional forces. The primary goal of this budget line is to procure, integrate, and support advanced satellite communication terminals and associated equipment, ensuring interoperability and survivability for critical command and control (C2) functions. This program supports both the Air Force Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications Weapon System (AF NC3 WS) and broader Department of Defense (DoD) strategic communications requirements.

The Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T) Command Post Terminals (CPT) sub-program aims to replace legacy Milstar terminals with new Extremely High Frequency (EHF) protected terminals. These terminals will provide secure, high data rate communications for strategic platforms, airborne and ground command posts, and support Presidential and National Voice Conferencing (PNVC). The FAB-T CPTs are designed to operate with Milstar, Advanced EHF (AEHF), and Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) satellite constellations, ensuring robust connectivity for national leadership and military commanders in both peacetime and crisis scenarios.

In FY 2026, the FAB-T CPT program will continue efforts to guarantee terminal interoperability with the full AEHF satellite constellation. Specific objectives include delivering airborne terminals to aircraft depots, providing interim contractor support for fielded terminals, conducting operator training, and activating organic depots for long-term hardware, software, and cryptographic sustainment.

These activities are essential for maintaining operational readiness and supporting future upgrades as satellite constellations evolve.

The Presidential and National Voice Conferencing (PNVC) Integrator is another critical element within the FBLOST line item. The PNVC Integrator replaces the legacy Survivable Emergency Conferencing Network (SECN) and provides anti-jam, anti-scintillation, survivable, and enduring voice communications for national and strategic users. This capability is delivered via AEHF and ESS satellite constellations and supports both airborne and mobile users through specialized equipment, such as the Baseband Interface Group (BIG), Multi-Stream Summing Device (MSD III), and Baseband Kit (BBK).

PNVC Integrator program management and funding responsibilities were transferred from the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) to the Department of the Air Force (DAF) in accordance with the FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act. In FY 2026, the PNVC Integrator will continue procurement of remaining PNVC equipment, provide support for fielded units, and oversee depot activation and interim contractor support. These efforts ensure the continued availability and reliability of secure conferencing capabilities for national leadership.

Additional objectives within the FBLOST line item include technical mission analysis, studies, prototyping, and mitigations for Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) related to AEHF terminal production and fielding. The program also funds advisory and assistance services, operator training, and program office support, with a focus on promoting efficiency and cost savings in alignment with Executive Order 14222. Budget adjustments in FY 2026 reflect reductions for advisory services and inflation rate changes, supporting government-wide efficiency initiatives.