Tactical Data Networks Enterprise

Abstract

Air Force operations rely on secure communications capability for Command-and-Control messages, threat messages, target updates, etc. Adversaries continually attempt to detect, intercept, decrypt, defeat, disrupt, deny or degrade these communications capabilities--driving the Air Force to continuously upgrade its systems with enhanced encryption, increased technology for low probability of detection (LPD), low probability of interception (LPI), anti-jamming (AJ), increased security and performance engineering, and enhanced throughput and interoperability. These efforts ensure life-saving data can be transmitted before, during and after operations without adversary hostile intervention via secure and reliable communication paths. The communications paths utilized are often referred to as datalinks over which are transmitted messages via specific waveforms through radios, multi-function processors and affiliated and associated technologies in accordance with specifications and standards. The Tactical Data Networks Enterprise (TDNE) program element analyzes and evaluates requirements, designs, develops, enhances, and fields prospective or needed systems. The TDNE focuses on the research, analysis, design, development, test, evaluation and fielding or other capability development of Tactical Datalink (TDL), gateway, radio, multi-function processor, antenna, multi-function aperture, license, waveform and other associated equipment, technology or capabilities. TDNE develops, enhances and fields technologies, architectures, documentation, tactics, techniques, procedures and capabilities. These efforts enhance Air Force communications capacity, efficiency, affordability, integration and optimization. TDNE supports interoperability of Air Force to: Air Force, Joint, Coalition, and NATO (Allied), and other partner platforms and systems; supports releasability engineering, cyber engineering, digital engineering, encryption and safety compliance, et al. Tactical Data Links (TDL) System Integration provides for the study, analysis, enhancement, development, integration, demonstration, joint/coalition/NATO interoperability exercises, costing, test, trials, and evaluation of TDL as a subset of the broader aerial layer network. Products include interoperability standards and reports, waveform standards, and hardware/software technical solutions. The number of Air Force platforms hosting TDLs has expanded from C2 aircraft to the fighter, bomber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), tanker, airlift and other tactical fleets as well as precision guided munitions. Utilization of TDLs in joint and international environments requires the integration of terminals into host platforms and interoperability of TDL networks across all deployed joint/Coalition/NATO platforms. USAF mandates require additional studies and analysis to meet frequency reprogramming and cryptographic requirements. To deliver TDL capabilities to required platforms and users, Tactical Data Links (TDL) System Integration is broken into four main thrusts of Tactical Data Links and Gateways (TDL&G) Integration, Advanced Aerial Communication Technology (AACT), the Common Tactical Edge Network (CTEN) program (which evolved from and includes prior Agile Communications efforts), and Second-Generation Anti-Jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN) activities. Tactical Data Links and Gateways (TDL&G) Integration activities consist of TDL integration and waveform management to ensure host platforms and users have current TDL waveforms, network access, and interoperability. This includes enabling and supporting Joint Interoperability of Tactical Command and Control Systems (JINTACCS), joint/Coalition/NATO Interoperability, Link 16 enhancements, cybersecurity and performance testing, requirements analysis and fleet roadmapping efforts. In addition to integration efforts for new and existing TDLs, these activities require funding for test units and facilities, interoperability management systems, and assessment tools to implement waveform standards to meet system information exchange requirements. Advanced Aerial Communication Technology (AACT) activities consist of developing and demonstrating new technologies to enable host platforms and users. This includes but is not limited to the development of capabilities to reduce the effects of advanced jamming in Anti-Access/Area Denial environments and increase communications resiliency for platforms and users. Technical solutions developed under this effort include, but are not limited to, Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW), Small Form Factor (SFF)/Digitally Assisted Close Air Support (DACAS), SPOC and Link 16 Enhancements. The Common Tactical Edge Network (CTEN) program evolved from and incorporates prior Agile Communications efforts to enhance interoperability. It includes the capability to share tactically significant information within/to/from highly contested environments in support of the Air Superiority 2030 Flight Plan. It supports the application of open standards and advanced apertures over an Enterprise-wide Aerial Network, enabling all platforms to share combat-relevant data/info to, from and within the Highly Contested Environment (HCE). The CTEN program is primarily a software (SW) overlay network that routes data within and between permissive, contested, and highly contested environments through content routing to establish connections between heterogeneous networks across different media and domains. CTEN is considered a core enabling program for the DAF Battle Network and is a key enabler of the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS). The CTEN efforts include the prior classified and unclassified Agile Communications efforts, along with their interoperability with affiliated cross-Service and Joint capabilities and efforts such as the Joint Tactical Edge Network (JTEN). Second-Generation Anti-Jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN) activities consist of executing the Waveform Sponsor role for SATURN as well supporting Headquarters Air Force in its Lead Service role for SATURN. Each role consists of several distinct engineering and development responsibilities, to include, but not limited to leading and overseeing the development, refinement, updating, and US interoperability of the SATURN Waveform and its associated development efforts such as, for example, the SATURN Enhanced Data Rate (SEDR) program. Family of Gateways provides for the study (acquisitions current and proposed), analysis, enhancement, development, integration, costing, demonstration, test, and evaluation efforts that will allow joint combat forces to exchange information quickly and accurately by bridging discrete airborne, terrestrial, maritime, and space- based C4ISR networks producing operational effects not possible within individual networks. Gateway functions include enabling interoperability between data formats, protocols, and communication mediums. Additionally, gateway functions extend the connectivity range, consolidate data from multiple networks into high-capacity links for transmission to key C2ISR nodes, route information between disadvantaged users, and fuse/correlate data from multiple sources to improve accuracy. Gateway functions also provide application hosting, shared data storage, on-demand information access, smart data forwarding, and system monitoring and network management. Family of Gateways will support to enhance existing TDL performance, through upgrades and engineering analysis of system designs. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to support, manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capabilities across the BACN platforms, aerial network, and tactical data network enterprise. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY2023, 0.900M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element. In FY2024, 1.272M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. FY 2023 includes 0 thousand in Overseas Operations Costs (OOC) Actuals. FY 2024 includes 1,792 in OOC Requested. FY 2025 includes 1,831 for the OOC Budget Estimate.  OOC were financed previously with former Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding. Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Overseas Operations Costs funding accounted for in the Base budget total 1,831. This program is in Budget Activity 5, System Development and Demonstration (SDD) because it has passed Milestone B approval and is conducting engineering and manufacturing development tasks aimed at meeting validated requirements prior to full rate production.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 0604281F_5_3600_PB_2025
• Change Summary Explanation: FY2025: - PB increase from previous PB due to addition of SATURN enhanced data rate (SEDR) requirement into SATURN's waveform performance, increased program support costs, increased test costs, and inflation. FY2023: - KC-135 Advanced Intel Gateway has been reprogrammed out of PE 0604281F -6M to PE 0401218F. - SBIR -3.755M
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Fields of Study

• Computer science
• Engineering

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

• Cyber
• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Space