MILSATCOM

The MILSAT - MILSATCOM line item in the Department of Defense (DoD) budget, managed by the United States Space Force (USSF), is dedicated to the procurement and sustainment of military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) terminals and related ground infrastructure. The goal of this program is to ensure secure, resilient, and interoperable satellite communication capabilities for the Department of Defense, allied forces, and other government agencies. The program supports a range of users, including the President, Secretary of Defense, combatant commanders, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and NATO allies. It provides 24-hour, jam-resistant, worldwide communications essential for strategic, tactical, and operational missions.

A major component of this line item is the modernization and sustainment of large bandwidth satellite communications terminals that operate in X-band, Ka-band, and dual-band frequencies. These terminals are integral to the Wideband Global Satellite (WGS) system and commercial SATCOM networks, forming the backbone of the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN). Funding is allocated to extend system life, enhance operational suitability and safety, and maintain interoperability with other DoD and allied terminals. Activities include engineering, site preparation, terminal and radome installation, integration, acceptance testing, and procurement of initial spares. The program also supports SATCOM Modernization Services for specialized fielding and training, as well as advisory and assistance services for program execution.

Another key element is the provision of a high-capacity, one-way satellite broadcast system for the continuous delivery of classified and unclassified intelligence products, such as full-motion video and imagery, to thousands of worldwide receive suites. This system is designed to support lower-echelon Air Force users with efficient, high-data-rate connectivity. Recent procurement efforts have focused on upgrading the system with enhanced Transmission Security and Contested, Degraded, and Operationally-Limited capabilities, in compliance with National Security Agency and Chief of Space Operations requirements. No new funding is requested for this system in FY 2026, indicating that previous investments have addressed current modernization needs.

The program also includes efforts to develop and field Protected Tactical Waveform modems, which are essential for secure, anti-jam communications in both benign and contested environments. These modems meet NSA certification standards and are compatible with current and future tactical SATCOM terminals. The initiative aims to expand the competitive industry base and achieve cost savings through joint procurement. While prior procurement included depot tooling, key loading and initialization facilities, systems integration labs, and interim contractor support, there is no new funding requested for this effort in FY 2026, reflecting a pause or completion of current procurement objectives.

A newer initiative within the MILSATCOM portfolio focuses on providing resilient, redundant pathways for space-based data transport using a proliferated low earth orbit constellation. The Space Systems Command, in partnership with other organizations, is fielding ground entry and ground bounce terminals to support high-bandwidth backhaul and ensure continuous connectivity for DoD and Intelligence Community users. Funding will procure, install, and operationalize up to four ground sites, covering terminal costs, civil engineering, and systems engineering support. These efforts are intended to enhance system resiliency and situational awareness in the contested space domain, allowing for rapid response to emerging threats.

The MILSAT - MILSATCOM line item also includes funding for program office support, technical analysis, and activities that leverage commercial and international partnerships to address adversarial threats with speed and agility. The FY 2026 budget request reflects a reduction in advisory and assistance services to promote efficiency and align with government-wide cost-saving initiatives. The program is structured to ensure that U.S. military and allied forces retain robust, secure, and modern satellite communications capabilities in support of national security objectives.