**The United States is expanding its satellite constellation for military communications.**

Northrop Grumman announced the launch of **21 satellites** from the **Tranche 1 Transport Layer** program, which will expand the **Link 16** tactical communication network (used for exchanging encrypted data between aircraft, drones, ships, and command centers). The total number of these satellites in orbit has now reached **84**.

These satellites are part of the **Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture** being developed by the U.S. Space Force (a total of 151 satellites), which also includes **satellites with infrared sensors for detecting and tracking enemy missiles**. Data from these satellites will be transmitted in real-time to combat aircraft for targeting.

Previously, Link 16 communication was established through **tactical terminals** (onboard aircraft, ships, and portable devices) and **long-range communication gateways**, which limited the range of signal transmission. Now, the satellites **enable the transmission of Link 16 messages directly between spacecraft and aircraft, ships, and ground terminals**, even in areas where long-range communication gateways are not available.

In essence, the U.S. is creating a distributed, low-Earth orbit military communication network capable of **integrating reconnaissance satellites, aviation, ships, and ground units, as well as quickly detecting missile launches** and transmitting targeting data to aircraft.

It is important to understand that **since 2025, the U.S. has connected Ukraine to the Link 16 system**, which will likely **enhance the Ukrainian Armed Forces' capabilities to destroy Russian missiles and drones.**

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