SATURN

The Second-Generation Anti-Jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN) Lead Service program, designated as PE 0303008F, is a new initiative within the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, specifically under Budget Activity 5 for System Development and Demonstration (SDD). The primary objective of this program is to support Headquarters Air Force in its role as the Lead Service for SATURN, a next-generation fast frequency hopping waveform designed to replace the legacy Have Quick system and enhance radio resistance to jamming. This program aims to ensure technical standardization, interoperability, and effective adoption of SATURN across U.S. military services, NATO, and coalition partners.

As the Lead Service, Headquarters Air Force is tasked with a broad set of responsibilities, including leading engineering and analysis activities, developing fielding strategies, collecting cost and schedule data, resolving cross-service disconnects, and providing training for operators. The program is guided by DoD Instruction 4630.09, Communications Waveform Management and Standardization, which delineates the specific roles of Lead Service and Waveform Sponsor. While Waveform Sponsor activities are funded separately, the SATURN Lead Service program focuses on fostering joint capability needs, expediting adoption of SATURN and related waveforms, and encouraging the deployment of compatible terminals.

The main budget line under this program element marks its first year of funding in FY 2026. Planned activities for FY 2026 include updating and releasing revised reference implementations based on prior testing and feedback, developing automated tools to monitor compliance with technical specifications, expanding technical advisory support to include direct commercial sales, and conducting system-of-systems engineering analysis. The project also aims to compile joint strategies for fielding and terminal development, collect cost and schedule data from the Joint Services, and document mission threads and information exchange requirements.

A key objective of the SATURN Lead Service program is to resolve issues that slow the adoption of the SATURN waveform among Joint, NATO, and coalition partners. The program will centralize and provide training, coordinate exercises and demonstrations, and make policy recommendations to support the continued development and maturity of SATURN and its associated applications. Additionally, the Lead Service will advocate for waveform and terminal development within the DoD budget process and ensure that appropriate technology protection measures are in place to secure resources and advance development efforts.

The acquisition strategy for the SATURN Lead Service program is multi-faceted, leveraging competitive contracts, sole-source awards where appropriate, and Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) to foster innovation and accelerate development. The Air Force emphasizes the use of existing government contracts and agreements to streamline the acquisition process and reduce administrative overhead. Collaboration with industry partners, academic institutions, and other government agencies is prioritized to identify and leverage cutting-edge technologies and expertise. The strategy also incorporates modular open systems approaches (MOSA) to ensure interoperability, reduce vendor lock-in, and facilitate future upgrades and enhancements.

Civilian pay expenses necessary to support, manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capabilities across the aerial and tactical data network enterprise are also included within this program element. These expenses are in addition to those budgeted in related program elements and are essential for the effective management and execution of SATURN Lead Service activities.