Joint Tactical Radio System - Navy (JTRS-Navy)

The Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) program, funded under Program Element 0604280N, is a comprehensive Navy initiative focused on research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of advanced tactical radio and communications systems. The goal of JTRS is to provide secure, resilient, and interoperable communications and data links across Navy, Joint, and Coalition forces. This supports a wide range of mission areas including command and control, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and fire control. The program leverages digital system-of-systems engineering, model-based system engineering (MBSE), and DevSecOps processes to accelerate capability fielding and ensure adaptability to evolving operational requirements.

Communication Automation (0725) is a classified project within JTRS that supports the development and integration of automation technologies for Navy tactical communications. The line item funds efforts such as the Battle Force Tactical Network (BFTN) and High Frequency (HF) Lead Services, which are essential for enhancing the Navy's ability to maintain robust, automated, and secure communications across distributed maritime environments. These efforts are closely coordinated with classified acquisition strategies and are reported to Congress in classified budget justification books.

Navy Multiband Terminal (NMT, 0728) focuses on developing and modernizing satellite communications terminals that provide resilient command, control, and communications (RC3) capabilities. The program includes technology insertion studies, development of Wideband Anti-Jam Modem System (WAMS), and integration of Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) SATCOM capabilities for submarine platforms. NMT also supports the Global Broadcast System (GBS) Transmission Security (TRANSEC) requirement, evaluating Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW) solutions to ensure secure, high-speed data delivery to naval forces. Efforts are aimed at maintaining alignment with the Navy's RC3 strategy and supporting distributed maritime operations.

Mobile Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) Terminal (MAT, 0729) is another classified project that provides protected, survivable satellite communications for Navy platforms. The budget supports continued RDT&E and prototype procurement for MAT, ensuring that Navy units have access to secure, anti-jam communications in contested environments. The program is essential for supporting strategic and tactical communications requirements, particularly for platforms operating in denied or degraded environments.

Navigation Satellite Timing & Ranging (NAVSTAR) GPS Equipment (0921) encompasses the Navy's efforts to modernize and field assured positioning, navigation, and timing (A-PNT) systems. The project funds the development and integration of new GPS receivers, anti-jam antennas, and assured-PNT technologies for air, surface, and subsurface platforms. Key objectives include supporting the transition to Military Code (M-Code) GPS receivers, integrating advanced anti-jam capabilities, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements for secure and resilient GPS. The program also supports the Global Positioning System-based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Service (GPNTS) and ongoing modernization efforts for Navy aircraft and ships.

Advanced Tactical Data Link Systems (ATDLS) Integration (2126) develops and integrates tactical data link networking capabilities, including Link 16, Command and Control Processor (C2P), and Link Monitoring and Management Tool (LMMT). The program is critical for enabling real-time battlespace data exchange, supporting Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), and ensuring interoperability with coalition partners. Efforts focus on C2P modernization, Link 22 integration, and LMMT capability enhancements, with an emphasis on improving cybersecurity, operational reliability, and network management.

Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS/JTRS, 3020) is the Navy's lead program for Link 16 tactical data link radios, supporting both legacy and software-defined radio architectures. The budget funds electromagnetic compatibility testing, software upgrades, and the Tactical Air Reference Implementation Laboratory (TACAIR RIL) to accelerate technology transition and threat-based evaluations. MIDS/JTRS ensures secure, high-throughput, low-latency communications for tactical aircraft, ships, and ground units, directly supporting integrated fire control and network-centric operations.

Digital Modular Radio (DMR, 3078) provides the Navy's primary solution for integrated waveform (IW) and Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite communications. The program supports continued development and integration of new waveforms, anti-jam capabilities (SATURN), and cryptographic modernization. Efforts include completing MUOS 3.2 and SATURN integration, as well as initiating design and testing of next-generation tactical communication solutions to ensure compliance with evolving security standards.

Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL, 3341) enhances the Navy's ability to transmit and receive real-time ISR data and command and control information across multiple platforms and networks. The request supports capability enhancement development, including implementation of Bandwidth Efficient Common Datalink (BE-CDL) waveforms to increase data rates and platform interoperability. NTCDL is vital for supporting time-critical strike missions and resilient command and control through modular, scalable communications solutions.

Naval Coastal Warfare Surveillance and C4I Systems (4011) supports the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) by developing agile, modular, and scalable C4I technologies for expeditionary forces. Funding is directed toward cloud adoption strategies, cyber security enhancements, and testing of new architectures to ensure secure, interoperable communications in denied environments. The project aligns with Department of Defense-wide initiatives for joint information environments and mission partner interoperability, supporting NECC's evolving operational requirements.