American warfighters need reliable communications, and the Space Force is investing big to make sure they get just that.
The Protected Tactical Satcom program is a key part of this effort, aiming to enhance secure battlefield communications through satellites. Contracts have already been awarded to Boeing and Northrop Grumman for prototype payloads, with more recent winners including Viasat, Intelsat, and newcomer Astranis.
While the initial awards may seem small at $37.3 million, the program has a $4 billion ceiling, presenting a lucrative opportunity for the winners. Development will continue until January 2026, with plans for the first satellite launch in 2028.
This approach marks a significant shift from traditional military satellite procurement, emphasizing speed and competition by involving commercial players in the process. Cordell DeLaPena Jr., program executive officer, highlighted the program’s focus on efficiency and capability enhancement in response to evolving threats.
