TERRESTRIAL LAYER SYSTEMS (TLS)

The Terrestrial Layer Systems (TLS) program is a critical component of the Army's modernization strategy, focusing on enhancing the Army's capabilities in Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and Electromagnetic Warfare (EW). The primary objective of this line item is to procure and field advanced, integrated systems that provide Army maneuver forces with a decisive advantage in operating within the electromagnetic spectrum. TLS supports multi-domain operations and deep sensing, aligning with the Army's priorities to prevail in both large-scale combat operations and complex, multi-domain environments.

The Terrestrial Layer System Brigade Combat Team (TLS BCT) is a functionally integrated SIGINT and EW system designed for use at the brigade level. Its goals are to deliver real-time collection, processing, exploitation, reporting, and electronic effects capabilities to the Army's SIGINT Collection Teams (SCT) and Electronic Warfare Teams (EWT). The TLS BCT Manpack variant is modular and soldier-portable, enabling flexible deployment and rapid adaptation to mission requirements. The mounted variants provide complementary capabilities, including indications and warnings, force protection, and situational awareness. These features are intended to improve the commander's decision cycle, enhance targeting accuracy, and offer electronic attack options to degrade or disrupt adversary forces.

The Terrestrial Layer System Echelon Above Brigade (TLS EAB) extends these capabilities to higher echelons, including Army Divisions, Corps, and Multi-Domain Task Forces. TLS EAB is a family of systems that integrates distributed SIGINT, EW, and cyber-enabled capabilities. Its objectives are to provide indications and warnings, improve targeting quality and timeliness, and enable offensive cyber and electronic attack operations. This supports force protection, situational development, and information superiority at the operational and strategic levels, addressing capability gaps identified in Multi Domain Battle concepts.

Both TLS BCT and TLS EAB are designed to be interoperable and integrable with emerging technologies and allied capabilities. This supports ongoing transformation initiatives such as the USAREUR-AF and USARPAC Operational Needs Statements, as well as broader Army modernization efforts like Transformation in Contact (TiC) and compliance with Presidential Directives. The systems are intended to ensure the Army maintains technological superiority in the electromagnetic spectrum and can effectively counter evolving threats.

For Fiscal Year 2026, the budget request for the TLS line item was transferred from Budget Activity 2 to Budget Activity 6 to support Agile Portfolio Management. This reflects a shift in acquisition strategy, emphasizing flexibility and rapid adaptation to emerging requirements in the electronic warfare domain. No new procurement is requested under the previous budget activity for FY 2026, but prior years' investments have supported the procurement of both manpack and mounted systems, with quantities and funding levels detailed in the budget justification.

The justification for continued investment in TLS is grounded in statutory requirements, including Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. The systems are necessary for use by both active and reserve components of the Armed Forces, supporting homeland defense, domestic emergency response, and military support to civil authorities. This ensures that the Army's electronic warfare and signals intelligence capabilities are robust, resilient, and available for a wide range of operational scenarios.