System framework for secure space-air-ground tactical communications in modern military operations

Modern military operations demand secure, resilient, and interoperable communications across space, air, and ground domains. However, existing tactical communication architectures remain fragmented, platform-centric, and insufficiently integrated to support multidomain operations in contested and cyber-degraded environments. This paper proposes a novel system framework for secure Space-Air-Ground Tactical Communications, introducing a unified architecture that integrates satellites, unmanned aerial systems, airborne platforms, ground units, and command-and-control nodes into a resilient operational ecosystem. The proposed framework, designed and conceptualized by the authors, defines structured communication layers, secure data flows, adaptive routing mechanisms, and cross-domain interoperability principles aligned with modern defence requirements. Emphasis is placed on encryption integrity, redundancy paths, latency-aware routing, electronic warfare resilience, and scalable modular design. Unlike survey-based approaches, this work presents an original architectural model that consolidates multidomain connectivity within a coherent system-level structure. The framework supports secure command assistance, distributed decision-making, and high-availability operations while preserving human control over critical military decisions. The proposed architecture establishes a foundational blueprint for next-generation tactical networks and contributes toward standardizable, secure, and operationally adaptive military communication systems.