Mobile Advanced EHF Terminal (MAT)

The Mobile Advanced EHF Terminal (MAT) program is a Navy procurement initiative under Budget Line Item 3222, focused on acquiring advanced satellite communications equipment for mobile platforms. The primary objective of this program is to provide secure, resilient, and high-capacity communications capability to naval forces through the use of Extremely High Frequency (EHF) satellite terminals. These terminals are designed to operate with the Department of Defense's Advanced EHF (AEHF) satellite constellation, enabling protected communications in contested environments and supporting both strategic and tactical operations.

The MAT procurement line is managed by the Navy and falls under the Other Procurement, Navy appropriation, specifically within the Communications & Electronics Equipment budget activity and the Satellite Communications sub-activity. For Fiscal Year 2026, the funding is intended for the acquisition and fielding of MAT systems, including procurement of hardware, organic kits, and related support necessary to deploy these terminals across the fleet.

The goals of the MAT program are to enhance the Navy's ability to maintain secure communications in environments where traditional satellite links may be degraded or denied. By leveraging EHF technology, the terminals provide anti-jam, low probability of intercept, and low probability of detection capabilities, which are critical for command and control in modern warfare. The program supports mobile naval units, such as ships, submarines, and expeditionary forces, ensuring they can communicate securely with joint and coalition partners as well as higher headquarters.

The justification for MAT funding centers on the need to modernize and replace legacy satellite communications systems that may not meet current operational requirements for security and bandwidth. The MAT systems are intended to be interoperable with existing AEHF infrastructure, providing a seamless upgrade path for Navy platforms. The program also aligns with Department of Defense priorities for resilient communications and supports broader joint force objectives for networked operations in contested domains.

The procurement objectives for FY 2026 include the recurring acquisition of Mobile Advanced EHF Terminal organic kits, as indicated in the budget exhibits. These kits are intended for installation on designated platforms, though specific quantities and installation plans are classified and submitted in the detailed Congressional justification books. The program does not include advance procurement or installation funding in the unclassified summary, focusing instead on the direct procurement of terminal hardware and associated support.

While the details of the MAT program, including technical specifications and platform integration plans, are classified, the unclassified budget summary indicates a clear emphasis on enhancing the Navy's mobile satellite communications capabilities. The program does not reference related research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities or other program elements, suggesting that the current phase is focused exclusively on procurement and fielding rather than ongoing development. The MAT initiative is a key component of the Navy's strategy to maintain information superiority and operational effectiveness in increasingly contested electromagnetic environments.