Advanced Extremely High Frequency
OEM: Lockheed Martin
First Produced: 2010
Status: Active
Role: Strategic and tactical protected SATCOM constellation
Primary Operator: U.S. Space Force
OEM Website: lockheedmartin.com
The Advanced Extremely High Frequency constellation provides jam-resistant, low-probability-of-intercept, survivable military satellite communications for U.S. and allied strategic and tactical users. Six AEHF satellites operate in geostationary orbit, delivering global coverage between 65 degrees north and south latitude and supporting nuclear command and control alongside general-purpose forces.
AEHF succeeds the Milstar constellation and offers roughly ten times the total bandwidth of its predecessor while remaining backward-compatible with Milstar terminals. The future Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) program will replace AEHF's strategic mission set, while the Protected Tactical SATCOM (PTS) program will address the tactical segment with disaggregated, faster-to-field capability.
Related Systems
Ready to Win Defense Contracts?
Stop guessing — let Blacksmith AI draft your next winning proposal.