# Army Tactical Command & Control Hardware & Software — Program Element 0604818A

**Program element:** 0604818A  
**Component:** U.S. Army  
**Appropriation:** 2040 — RDT&E, Army  
**Budget Activity:** 5 — System Development & Demonstration  
**Vintage:** President's Budget PB2027  
**Canonical URL:** https://hitchintel.com/programs/0604818A

## Summary

U.S. Army funding falls 90% to a $42.6M request in FY2027 (down from a FY2026 peak), sustained across the five-year plan. In the FY2027 defense authorization, the House funded it in full; the Senate funded it in full; House appropriators added 47% (to $62.6M).

## Funding profile

| Fiscal Year | Estimate Type | Amount ($M) |
|---|---|---|
| FY2025 | Actual | 100.9 |
| FY2026 | Enacted | 429.2 |
| FY2027 | Request | 42.6 |
| FY2028 | Outyear | 47.4 |
| FY2029 | Outyear | 48.3 |
| FY2030 | Outyear | 49.2 |
| FY2031 | Outyear | 49.7 |

> Estimate types are not summed — the profile mixes actuals, enacted law, the request, and outyear projections.

## Congressional marks (FY2027)

| Stage | Marked ($M) | Change ($M) |
|---|---|---|
| Request | 42.6 | — |
| House NDAA (HASC) | 42.6 | +0.0 |
| Senate NDAA (SASC) | 42.6 | +0.0 |
| House Approps (HAC-D) | 62.6 | +20.0 |

> FY2027 NDAA authorization marks, as of 2026-07-27. Not appropriations or final law.

## Projects (9)

| Project | Title | FY2025 actual | FY2026 enacted | FY2027 request | Move |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EQ8 | Mobile/Handheld Computing Environment (M/HHCE) | 8.6 | 43.0 | 42.6 | −1% |
| EK9 | TACTICAL NETWORK OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT | 59.7 | 200.4 | — | −100% |
| EJ6 | TACTICAL ENHANCEMENT | — | 136.9 | — | −100% |
| DD1 | Unified Network Technology Trans & Integ (UNTTI) | 12.7 | 14.5 | — | −100% |
| C34 | Army Tac C2 Sys Eng | 10.8 | 11.2 | — | −100% |
| ER9 | Expeditionary Army Command Post | — | 10.0 | — | −100% |
| 323 | Common Hardware Systems | 4.9 | 5.0 | — | −100% |
| C29 | Centralized Technical Support Facility (CTSF) | 4.2 | 4.4 | — | −100% |
| DL8 | Predictive Logistics | — | 3.8 | — | −100% |

> Projects are the summable leaves: the program element total is their sum, never added to it.

### Project EQ8 — Mobile/Handheld Computing Environment (M/HHCE)

Project EQ8, Mobile/Handheld Computing Environment (M/HHCE) enables situational awareness (SA) and command and control (C2) for dismounted combat forces through the Nett Warrior (NW) system. M/HH CE utilizes Government-owned Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) as a foundation for integrating a wide array of functional software, such as UAV planning/control, casualty care and logistics. Future version of NW and TAK will form the SA/C2 baseline for dismounted forces in support of Headquarters Department of the Army priority efforts, such as Next Generation Command & Control (NGC2) and Transformation in Contact (TiC). . The NW system provides leaders electronic real-time information on friendly positions; information about enemy activity and movement; navigational data and map imagery; a collaborative mission planning tool; and other mission related graphics which effectively puts the power of the entire Army tactical network in the hands of the dismounted leader. Nett Warrior (NW) and Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC) are the instantiation of the M/HHCE and comply with the technical standards documented by the M/ HHCE and provide the dismounted common computational platform for other products relevant to dismounted Soldiers. Through compliance with the M/HHCE, software applications from other programs are integrated with the NW and SBMC systems, reducing the need for duplicate hardware resulting in reduced Soldier Load. M/ HHCE also supports the Army Network Modernization Strategy LOE 2 (Common Operating Environment). These efforts are aligned to the Army's Tactical Network Capability Set development and fielding plans by utilizing (1) interoperable data, message, and waveforms, (2) sensors and applications that enable operations across domains and automated tools to aid decision-making and (3) integration with Joint C4ISR and strike capabilities. NW leverages commercial smart phone devices and secure Army tactical radios to provide the dismounted leader an integrated command and control situational awareness capability for use during combat operations.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test and Evaluation | 0.5 | 4.4 | 5.2 |
| Hardware and Software Integration and Evaluation for Capability Improvements | 2.3 | 18.5 | 20.4 |
| Software Development & Integration | 5.4 | 12.3 | 15.0 |
| Conduct SEPM Support to NW | 0.5 | 1.9 | 1.9 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project EK9 — TACTICAL NETWORK OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT

This funding line supports the NGC2 initiative to modernize C2 systems. NGC2 is one of the Army's highest modernization priorities and will enhance the ability to conduct multi-domain operations by integrating advanced technologies, improving interoperability, and increasing the speed and accuracy of decision-making processes. This funding line specifically supports the Applications Layer efforts within NGC2. The Applications Layer supports the delivery of warfighting function (WfF) applications and Unified Network Operations. WfF applications (e.g. Command and Control, Information Advantage, Movement and Maneuver, Intelligence, Fires, Protection, Sustainment and Network Operations) will be delivered to the specifications defined by the Data Layer (Project EJ6). Project EK9 also consolidates and further refines Network Operations (NetOps) tools that are key to enabling applications in a data-centric network with increased efficiency in overall network management. Warfighting function applications will operate in conjunction with the Data Layer to provide seamless mission command from the enterprise to the tactical edge, leveraging cutting edge available commercial technologies. This unified approach will dramatically improve the user experience for warfighters, enabling faster decision-making and ultimately increasing lethality.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| C2 Applications Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) | — | 175.4 | — |
| C2 Applications Test/Evaluation/Validation/Verification (TEVV) | — | 12.9 | — |
| C2 Applications Program Management | — | 12.1 | — |
| UNO Product Development | 47.6 | — | — |
| UNO Training Development | 1.3 | — | — |
| UNO Test & Evaluation | 7.7 | — | — |
| UNO Management Services | 3.2 | — | — |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project EJ6 — TACTICAL ENHANCEMENT

This funding line supports the NGC2 initiative to modernize C2 systems. NGC2 is one of the Army's highest modernization priorities and will enhance the ability to conduct multi-domain operations by integrating advanced technologies, improving interoperability, and increasing the speed and accuracy of decision-making processes. This funding line specifically supports the Data Layer efforts within NGC2. The Data Layer delivers standardized and seamless data access across warfighting function applications (e.g. Command and Control, Information Advantage, Movement and Maneuver, Intelligence, Fires, Protection, Sustainment and Network Operations). Real-time access to common data is critical to maintaining a decisive advantage. The Data Layer leverages industry's best practices for iterative Development, Security, and Operations (DevSecOps) with an emphasis on artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) capabilities.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| C2 Data Layer Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) | — | 122.4 | — |
| C2 Data Layer Test/Evaluation/Validation/Verification (TEVV) | — | 7.7 | — |
| C2 Data Layer Program Management | — | 6.8 | — |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project DD1 — Unified Network Technology Trans & Integ (UNTTI)

In FY 2027, this effort was transferred to PE 0605330A (C2 Transport) / Project C2A (Satellite and Network Modernization). Project DD1, Unified Network Technology Transition and Integration (UNTTI) supports the Army's Command Control (C2) Transport strategy. UNTTI is an RDT&E initiative enabling transport agnostic, high-capacity and resilient tactical communications for expeditionary operations. UNTTI efforts support system/subsystem development and demonstration, aimed at integration, maturation, evaluation, and testing to demonstrate systems against requirements. TEM Projects, Line of Sight Modernization, SATCOM Modernization, Transport Modernization, Secure Cellular, and System of Systems (SoS) Training. These technologies support new and improved communications capabilities with reduced Size, Weight, and Power (SWAP), while increasing throughput, providing network resiliency and Low Probability of Intercept/Low Probability of Detection (LPI/LPD) capabilities. The Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications and Network (PEO C3N) is responsible for prioritizing, programming, managing and executing the projects detailed below and ensuring these funds are available to support the Army modernization priorities. The Command and Control Cross Functional Team (C2-CFT), Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center, Army Capability Network (ACM) Networks and Services (N&S) support the prioritization of technology demonstrations, focused evaluations, and expert analyses to inform future requirements, mature technologies, and deliver new capabilities. These projects inform technology integration, support user assessments, and transition to programs if appropriate. UNTTI procures, modifies, integrates, and tests system prototypes to demonstrate enhanced capabilities in accordance with Army modernization priorities. UNTTI supports developing technical, logistics, training, and other acquisition documentation to assist with the transition, insertion, and integration of efforts across PM Tactical Network and enables the transition of developing and new technologies to support Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2). In addition, UNTTI resources validation and test efforts which improves the reliability, maintainability, and supportability of Tactical Network equipped units.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Systems Engineering and Program Management | 1.3 | 1.4 | — |
| TEM Projects - Pathway Diversity | 1.2 | — | — |
| Secure Cellular | — | 4.9 | — |
| TEM Projects - Gateway Automation | — | 2.7 | — |
| Transport Modernization | 10.0 | 5.3 | — |
| System of System (SoS) Training | 0.3 | 0.3 | — |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project C34 — Army Tac C2 Sys Eng

Project C34: Army Tac C2 Sys Eng FY 2027 and beyond was realigned to PE 0655333A/C2 Infrastructure, Project C2H, C2 Systems Engineering as part of a new funding structure for the Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) investment to modernize Command and Control (C2) systems for the Infrastructure Layer. Project C34, Army Tactical Command and Control Systems Engineering supports the Army's Network Modernization Strategy and coordinates technical efforts across and outside of CPE Command, Control, Communications, and Network (C3N) to ensure integration with the current and future Mission Command Network. Project C34 provides technical support to programs, informing design and solutions with specific emphasis on the ability for different program efforts to be integrated and interoperable with one another. Efforts support Army Modernization priorities including Army Unified Network Plan, Multi-Domain Operations, Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2), Data Modernization and emerging data-centric requirements. This project provides the CPE C3N System of Systems (SoS) engineering and integration, acquisition management, testing, fielding and sustainment support to ensure interoperability and affordability within the CPE C3N portfolio. The effort focuses on SoS Engineering and Integration for the Mission Command Network with increased emphasis on immediate Warfighter needs as well as leveraging emerging technologies.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| System of Systems (SoS) Developmental Test and Integration Test Support across tactical C2 systems | 1.3 | 1.2 | — |
| Conduct and Support System of Systems (SoS) Interoperability Engineering | 2.8 | 2.9 | — |
| Development and Implementation of Tactical Information Assurance (IA) | 1.5 | 1.7 | — |
| System of Systems (SoS) Engineering and Integration Evolution of the Network | 1.1 | 1.0 | — |
| System of Systems Development | 2.9 | 3.3 | — |
| Mission Command Network Synchronization and Integration Support | 1.2 | 1.2 | — |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project ER9 — Expeditionary Army Command Post

Project ER9: Expeditionary Army Command Post in FY 2027 and beyond was realigned to PE 655333/C2 Infrastructure, Project C2I, Mounted C2 Infrastructure as part of a new funding structure for the Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) investment to modernize Command and Control (C2) systems for the Infrastructure Layer. Command posts provide locations from which commanders, assisted by their staffs, command operations and integrate/synchronize combat power to accomplish missions across the range of military operations. Commanders organize mission command systems into command posts based on mission requirements and the situation that will best assist them in exercising command and control of assigned and attached forces. Command post survivability is vital to mission success. Depending on the threat, command posts need to remain small and highly mobile, especially at echelons below Division. Command posts are easily acquired and targeted by our adversaries when concentrated. Command post survivability is increased via dispersion, reduced size, redundancy, mobility, as well as camouflage and concealment. Command post survivability is further enhanced via dismounted operations that can take advantage of cover or shielding by terrain features or urban structures

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Development | — | 6.1 | — |
| Support Costs | — | 1.6 | — |
| Systems Test and Evaluation | — | 1.3 | — |
| Program Office Management | — | 1.0 | — |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 323 — Common Hardware Systems

Project 323: Common Hardware Systems in FY 2027 and beyond was realigned to PE 0605333A/C2 Infrastructure, Project C2G, Modular C2 Infrastructure as part of a new funding structure for the Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) investment to modernize Command and Control (C2) systems for the Infrastructure Layer. Common Hardware Systems (CHS) is a mandated Army Strategic Source, as annotated in Army Regulation (AR) 25-1 Army Information Technology (IT) that acquires and sustains highly flexible, cost-effective, and simplified non-developmental solutions that integrate the latest and emerging commercial IT into the Converged Mission Command Network. Efforts are aligned to support the Program Executive Office, Command, Control and Communications Network (PEO C3N) network evaluation and experimentation goals. This funding line also supports network solution procurement and sustainment for U.S. Army Reserves, U.S. Army National Guard, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, and other Federal agencies. CHS provides technical support, warranty support, system engineering and design, and end-of-life and configuration management services to ensure interoperability and integration of hardware throughout the computing infrastructure. CHS continuously analyzes and tracks hardware from cradle to grave, from emerging technology until end of life. The program conducts hardware evaluations that facilitate and simplify the selection of common hardware solutions across numerous Army programs, agencies, Joint Services, and other Federal Agencies including: Mission Command; Tactical Network; Tactical Radios; Intelligence Systems and Analytics; Aviation Systems; Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Mortar (C-RAM); Communication Electronics Command; Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM); Army National Guard and Reserves; Navy; Air Force; Marines; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; among others. CHS rapidly procures common hardware configurations in support of the Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) Infrastructure layer, the sustainment community, and tactical programs that enable transformation in contact. CHS is an enabler of the initiative of continuous transformation, empowering end users to experiment, innovate, and integrate, the most modern Commercial of the Shelf (COTS) IT.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acquisition Support | 2.9 | 2.9 | — |
| Technical and Test Support | 1.4 | 1.4 | — |
| Logistical Service Support | 0.4 | 0.4 | — |
| Contract Support Services | 0.2 | 0.2 | — |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project C29 — Centralized Technical Support Facility (CTSF)

Project C29, The Centralized Technical Support Facility (CTSF): The CTSF is the Army's premier test and certification facility for System of Systems interoperability, functioning as CIO/G6's designated independent test agent and Land/WarNet/Mission Command (LWN/MC) configuration manager. The Central Technical Support Facility's (CTSF) directed mission is to perform Army Interoperability Certification (AIC) testing and configuration management for all 23 operational through tactical level Command, Computing, Control, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems, Mission and Space systems, Aviation systems and other individual, family, and system of systems, applications, and hardware prior to release to the field. The CTSF accomplishes this through the enforcement of a standards based architecture while supporting the development and implementation of an integrated computing infrastructure and a converged network. The CTSF provides validated test data to the Department of the Army and Joint agencies to accredit interoperability certifications. The distributed test environment of the CTSF is accomplished through the Federation of Net-centric Sites (FaNS) construct. This FaNS construct addresses distributed integration development and testing using the core infrastructure of the CTSF to harness Army and Joint expertise/resources. Through these federated resources, the CTSF executes or supports interoperability development, integration and certification testing of the systems and system of systems in the Warfighter Mission Area, to include Network Evaluation spinouts, as they become part of the Army's LandWarNet. The cited work is consistent with Strategic Planning Guidance and the Army Modernization and Strategy Plan.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army Interoperability Certification (AIC) Testing | 1.8 | 1.8 | — |
| Engineering Services | 0.2 | 0.2 | — |
| Configuration Management | 1.8 | 2.0 | — |
| Management Operations/Program Office | 0.4 | 0.4 | — |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project DL8 — Predictive Logistics

Predictive Logistics (PL) gathers and ingests vehicle platform sensor data into Command and Control (C2) systems to enable commanders to make decisions based on actionable logistics information. Data gathered from vehicle platforms and other authoritative data sources will be aggregated for visualization on Common Operating Pictures (COP) at all echelons. Awareness of logistics status enhances commanders' ability to make immediate tactical decisions based on current operational logistics conditions.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Predictive Logistics Development Engineering, Integration, Modeling & Simulation | — | 2.3 | — |
| Systems Engineering and Program Management | — | 1.4 | — |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

## Where the FY2027 request goes

| Category | Share | $M |
|---|---|---|
| Other / unspecified | 100% | 42.6 |

> R-3 exhibit contract funding, not USAspending obligations.

## Mission & acquisition strategy

Project 323, Common Hardware Systems (CHS) is a mandated Army Strategic Source, as annotated in AR 25-1 that acquires and sustains highly flexible, cost-effective, and simplified non-developmental solutions that integrate the latest and emerging commercial information technology onto the Converged Mission Command Network. Also supports network solution procurement and sustainment for U.S. Army Reserves, U.S. Army National Guard, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, and other Federal agencies.

The Army is modernizing its Command and Control (C2) approach to secure battlefield superiority. Using modern systems engineering design approaches and industry best practices, the Army will deliver a horizontally integrated common software services framework for Army C2. The Army's modernization involves continuous improvements and integration of all network battlefield components, from transport and infrastructure to data and soldier- used applications. This effort focuses on development, integration/delivery of critical warfighting applications (including Command and Control, Movement and Maneuver, Intelligence, Fires, Protection, Sustainment, and Network Operations) within the Army's Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) initiative.

## Related program elements

- [0602146A — Network C3I Technology](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0602146A) (Army)
- [0305208F — Distributed Common Ground/Surface Systems](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0305208F) (Air Force)
- [0602144A — Ground Technology](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0602144A) (Army)
- [0206623M — MC Ground Cmbt Spt Arms Sys](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0206623M) (Navy)

## Source & machine access

- **Source:** FY2027 Department of the Army RDT&E Budget Justification, Exhibits R-2/R-3, PE 0604818A (PB PB2027); FY2027 NDAA committee marks (as of 2026-07-27).
- **MCP:** `mcp.hitchintel.com` — `budget_get_program_element(pe="0604818A")`.

*HitchAI is an independent intelligence service, not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense. Budget figures are requests/estimates, not obligations.*