[09-17-07 – Satellite Today]  The General Dynamics-Lockheed Martin Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) team received a contract modification from the U.S. Army to continue development of the system as well as accelerate delivery of capabilities, the companies announced Sept. 17.

In June, the Army announced it would restructure and accelerate the WIN-T program, which will serve as the Army’s battlefield communications network, and organize it into four major increments. The $921 million in modifications comprise WIN-T Increment Two and Three.

Increment Two, valued at $126 million, will deliver an initial on-the-move broadband networking capability using satellite and radio links, with fielding scheduled to begin in 2009. Increment Three, valued at $795 million, will continue development of WIN-T components to meet the full range of network capacity, security and on-the-move capabilities. Limited user testing is scheduled to begin in 2011.

The former Joint Network Node program has been reclassified as WIN-T Increment One, which will enhance the existing joint networking and satellite communications capabilities currently deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. WIN-T Increment Four has not been awarded.