JOINT TACTICAL GROUND STATION (JTAGS)-INTEL

The Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS) program is designed to provide near real-time warning, alerting, and cueing information on ballistic missile launches and other tactical events. This system plays a crucial role in supporting Combatant Commanders by utilizing existing communication networks to disseminate critical information throughout various theaters of operation. JTAGS has been operational since 1997 and includes four units deployed outside the continental United States across three major theaters: Pacific Command, Central Command, and European Command. Additionally, a fifth system is stationed within the continental United States for training purposes but can also be deployed if necessary.

The primary objective of the JTAGS program is to maintain compatibility with the Air Force's Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS), which offers improved warning accuracy and timeliness. To address obsolescence issues and enhance system capabilities, the program has implemented the JTAGS Block II Pre-Planned Product Improvement system. The Approved Acquisition Objective for JTAGS is set at five systems, ensuring comprehensive coverage and support for military operations across multiple regions. These enhancements are vital for maintaining the effectiveness of missile warning systems in an evolving technological landscape.

In FY 2024, the JTAGS program transitioned from Army management to the US Space Force, marking a significant shift in oversight and strategic alignment. This transition reflects broader efforts to integrate space-based capabilities into national defense strategies. As a result, FY 2023 was the final year of Army funding for JTAGS, with no additional funding requested for FY 2025 under Army appropriations. This change underscores the importance of aligning defense resources with emerging threats and technological advancements in space operations.

The JTAGS program's goals are centered around ensuring timely and accurate missile warning capabilities while adapting to new technological standards set by SBIRS. The transition to US Space Force management highlights a strategic emphasis on integrating space-based assets into national defense frameworks. By maintaining a focus on modernization and interoperability, JTAGS continues to provide essential support to Combatant Commanders in safeguarding national security interests across multiple theaters of operation.