Navy Multiband Terminal (NMT)

The Navy Multiband Terminal (NMT) program is a critical component of the Department of the Navy's satellite communications modernization efforts, as reflected in Budget Line Item (BLI) 3216. The primary goal of the NMT program is to procure, install, and sustain advanced protected and wideband Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) terminals for Navy ships, submarines, and shore facilities. These terminals provide assured, jam-resistant, and secure communications for message traffic, data transfer, and secure voice. This directly supports the Navy's operational architecture and integration into the Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) environment.

The NMT System is designed to ensure resilient command, control, and communications (RC3) by providing simultaneous access to multiple military satellite bands, including Super High Frequency (SHF), Ka, and Extremely High Frequency (EHF). The system leverages existing on-orbit satellites and accommodates simultaneous multiband operations. This multiband capability reduces the demand for shipboard space and logistics footprint, while enabling future enhancements and new waveforms. The NMT also supports international partners, including Canada, The Netherlands, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

A major objective under this line item is the procurement and fielding of Service Life Extension Modernization (SLEMOD) Kits. For FY 2026, funding is requested for SLEMOD kits for Surface Afloat, Submarine Afloat, and Ashore platforms, including integration and pre-installation design costs. SLEMOD kits provide hardware and software upgrades to sustain and enhance system resilience, extending the NMT's service life beyond its original plan. These kits include upgrades such as Assured Command and Control (AC2) modems, operating system updates, enhanced bandwidth modems, and power protection enhancements, ensuring the system remains capable against evolving threats.

Another key objective is the fielding of the Wideband Anti-Jam Modem System (WAMS), which is a technology upgrade to enhance anti-jam satellite communication throughput over Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS). In FY 2026, the budget supports procurement and installation of WAMS units for Surface Afloat, Submarine Afloat, and Ashore platforms. WAMS enables ships and submarines to maintain mission-critical communications in contested and degraded environments by providing anti-jam diversity and leveraging both EHF/AEHF and WGS resources. This capability is essential for supporting the National Defense Strategy's emphasis on resilient communications.

The SATCOM Terminal initiative, which is transitioning from BLI 3216 to BLI 3222 beginning in FY 2026, represents the next generation of satellite communication terminals. The budget supports procurement, integration, assembly, and testing of SATCOM terminals. These terminals are delivered as turn-key solutions and are critical for rapidly delivering upgraded communication capabilities to the fleet. The SATCOM Terminal program is managed as a Middle Tier Acquisition Rapid Prototyping effort, emphasizing timely fielding of advanced technology to meet urgent operational needs.

The NMT line item also funds integration, assembly, test, and production support activities for all major components. These activities include pre-installation integration and testing, system operational verification testing, and design services allocation for installation planning and post-installation support. Production support encompasses engineering, quality assurance, and program management necessary to execute the procurement and sustainment of these complex systems.