Joint Tactical Ground System

The Joint Tactical Ground System (JTAGS) program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 1208053SF, is a critical component of the Department of Defense's missile warning and integrated air and missile defense architecture. The primary goal of JTAGS is to provide near real-time missile warning, alerting, and cueing information to combatant commanders in their respective Areas of Responsibility (AORs) by leveraging space-based infrared sensor data. JTAGS operates as the in-theater element of the United States Strategic Command's Theater Event System (TES), supporting all pillars of Theater Missile Defense and enabling rapid sensor-to-shooter connectivity.

The main objective of the current JTAGS effort is the continued development, integration, and fielding of the JTAGS Block II Pre-Planned Product Improvement (P3I) program. This initiative, managed by the U.S. Space Force since FY 2024, is focused on upgrading JTAGS to operate with the next generation of Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) satellites. The Block II upgrade enhances tactical warning parameters, timeliness, and overall system resiliency, ensuring the system remains effective against evolving missile threats.

The program is structured as a two-phase development effort. Recent activities include the completion of Block II Phase 2 Spiral 3 fielding during FY 2024 and FY 2025. Specific goals for FY 2026 include advancing cyber compliance and defense against emerging threats, as well as achieving Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (APNT) and M-code GPS compliance.

The program also addresses obsolescence mitigation through Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) hardware and software upgrades. It supports the research and development of prototypes for system modifications, such as the integration of Red Hat Linux and the next generation Joint Tactical Terminals (JTT-NG). These efforts are designed to maintain system relevance in a rapidly evolving threat environment and to ensure compliance with the latest cybersecurity and interoperability standards.

Within the program, the Development and Test of Block II Capability Development Document (CDD) requirements line item is the primary focus of funding. This line supports the development and integration of cyber hardening advances, defense against new threats, and fulfillment of CDD threshold requirements as mandated by Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) memorandums and the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for FY2011.

Planned activities for FY 2026 include continued hardware and software upgrades, risk reduction for cybersecurity, and rapid response measures to enhance system resiliency and situational awareness in contested space domains. Another key aspect is the Joint Tactical Terminals Next Generation (JTT-NG) effort, which involves the procurement and integration of advanced terminals to improve data dissemination and interoperability across the missile warning architecture.

The integration of JTT-NG equipment and migration to updated operating systems like Red Hat Linux are scheduled to occur from late FY 2024 through FY 2027, ensuring that JTAGS remains compatible with both current and future communications and sensor networks. Support activities, including System Engineering Technical Assistance and management services, are also funded under this program element. These efforts provide technical analysis, experimentation, prototyping, and risk reduction to address both current and anticipated requirements. The acquisition strategy emphasizes the use of Non-Developmental Items (NDI), COTS components, and government-furnished equipment to maximize cost efficiency and leverage commercial and international opportunities.