Joint Tactical Network Center (JTNC)

The Joint Tactical Network Center (JTNC) is a Department of Defense (DoD) initiative funded under Army Program Element 0605030A, with consolidated contributions from the Air Force and Navy. JTNC's primary objective is to enable rapid identification, characterization, procurement, fielding, and sustainment of modular and innovative tactical communications products. These efforts are designed to ensure secure, interoperable, and resilient Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities across the Joint Force. The program aligns with Army 2030/40 priorities and supports Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) modernization initiatives.

JTNC's goals include maintaining a cyber-hardened DoD Information Repository (IR), providing technical analyses and capability characterizations for tactical communications products, and developing Open Systems Architecture Standards. The center also conducts exportability analysis and licensing reviews, and serves as a technical advisor to key decision-making bodies such as the Communications, Command, and Control Leadership Board (C3LB) and the Tactical Communications Senior Steering Group (TCSSG). These functions are executed in coordination with stakeholders including the DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO), Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (USD(A&S)), Joint Staff J6, and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)).

A major objective for JTNC is to foster a hardware-agnostic, common software baseline for tactical communications, which increases competition and innovation for Software Defined Radios (SDR). JTNC supports the Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiative, development and maturation of the DoD IR framework, migration to higher security cloud environments, and the creation of the Joint Communications Marketplace (JCM). The JCM is intended to facilitate collaboration between government and industry, enabling rapid acquisition and fielding of technologies to address capability gaps identified by the warfighter.

JTNC is also responsible for evolving DoD waveform standards to promote interoperability, re-use, and faster delivery of capabilities. Through the Communications Technologies and Waveforms Working Group (CTWWG) and its Resiliency Sub-Working Group, JTNC coordinates efforts to design, test, and field tactical radio products that mitigate adversary threats such as detection, interception, geolocation, and jamming. JTNC collaborates with the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) to resolve high-frequency (HF) interoperability issues and is developing new MIL-STD specifications for more resilient communications.

In support of National Security Agency (NSA) efforts, JTNC analyzes software artifacts and high assurance devices, including SDRs ported with specific waveforms. The center participates in standards-related activities such as the Interface Control Working Group (ICWG) and works with the Army on developing C4ISR/Electronic Warfare Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) specifications. JTNC continues to refine its Waveform Assessment and Milestone Review (WASMR) and Capability Characterization processes to ensure technical rigor and alignment with DoD requirements.

The FY 2026 budget request for JTNC supports ongoing management and technical support contracts, product development, engineering, and test and evaluation activities. Key performing organizations include NIWC Pacific, NIWC Atlantic, G2 Software Systems, MITRE Corporation, and Aberdeen Proving Grounds. The increase in FY 2026 funding is primarily driven by requirements to migrate the DoD IR and JCM to higher security cloud environments, supporting DoD CIO objectives for information assurance and efficiency.