PTES HUB

The PTES HUB program, as outlined in the FY 2026 Air Force budget request, is a Space Force initiative aimed at enhancing the resilience and security of military satellite communications against evolving electronic warfare threats. The primary goal of the Protected Tactical Enterprise Service (PTES) is to deliver global, anti-jam, low probability of intercept communications for tactical warfighters via the Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW). The program is designed to counteract adversarial jamming and interception efforts, ensuring reliable and secure SATCOM capabilities for U.S. and allied forces.

The PTES program is structured around two major efforts: PTW over WGS (PTWoW) and PTW over Commercial (PTWoC). The PTWoW effort leverages the existing Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system, with procurement funding supporting the installation of Joint Hubs (JHs) at WGS teleport sites. These JHs serve as the ground infrastructure for PTW operations, enabling secure communications across multiple satellites. The program aims to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for PTWoW in FY 2027, with Full Operational Capability (FOC) projected for FY 2028. At that point, PTES will support worldwide PTW operations using JHs installed at eight WGS sites and ten satellites.

For the PTW over Commercial (PTWoC) effort, the objective is to extend PTES capabilities to commercial satellite constellations, further increasing operational flexibility and coverage. IOC for PTWoC is expected in FY 2029, with FOC planned for FY 2031. This phase will enable PTW operations for all equatorial longitudes and support geosynchronous or highly inclined orbit satellites from three separate locations. The acquisition strategy for PTWoC is still in development, reflecting the complexity of integrating commercial SATCOM assets into the protected tactical communications architecture.

The PTES Joint Hub line item funds the procurement and installation of JHs, including site surveys, equipment purchases such as modems and End Cryptographic Units, installation, and testing. A total of 24 PTES JHs will be acquired to meet PTWoW requirements. The procurement also covers interim contractor support and spares necessary to maintain operational readiness between IOC and FOC. These investments are justified by the need to rapidly respond to emerging threats and ensure system resiliency in contested space environments.

The PTES Additional Product Procurement line supports the acquisition of supplementary equipment and capabilities required for PTES operations. This includes purchasing additional modems and cryptographic units to ensure interoperability with service-specific and international partner terminals. Stakeholders such as the Navy Wideband Anti-Jam Modem System and the Air Force-Army Anti-Jam Modem rely on these procurements to maintain secure communications infrastructure.

The Technical Mission Analysis and Enterprise SE&I (Systems Engineering & Integration) line items fund essential program office support, technical studies, and system integration activities. These efforts are necessary to validate system performance, certify installations, and coordinate with commercial and government partners. Funding for these activities enables the program to maintain situational awareness and adapt to the rapidly changing threat landscape in space communications.

The Management Services line, which includes Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) support and Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS), provides expertise and program management resources. These services facilitate oversight, technical analysis, and strategic planning, ensuring that PTES HUB meets its objectives efficiently and remains aligned with Space Force and Department of Defense priorities.