The Department of Defense (DoD) has worked for more than two decades to modernize its GPS with a more secure, jam-resistant, military-specific signal known as M-code. The Space Force, part of the Department of the Air Force, is responsible for GPS modernization.
According to a new report out by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) this week, the Space Force has encountered multiple delays with significant work and challenges remaining.
“The GPS system consists of three segments that cooperate to provide M-code: a space segment, a ground control segment, and user equipment,” the Sept. 9 report explains.
According to the GAO, “significant work and challenges remain for each segment.”
The Space Force has consumed schedule margin, resulting in delays in delivering the satellites for the space segment. “Further delays could risk DOD’s goal to have 24 M-code-capable satellites in continuous operation through the 2030s,” the report says.
Additionally, the GAO pointed out that after multiple delays, ground segment modernization has completed some key testing, but further testing and demonstration are needed before the military departments can accept the system. This is projected to occur by December 2025.
While the Space Force has made progress in developing user equipment, the report reads, significant risks remain to delivering capabilities to the warfighter.
“After years of delay, the first increment of user equipment – microchips and cards that process M-code signals – is approaching its final series of tests. However, discovery of additional deficiencies threatens the program’s schedule,” GAO said. “Meanwhile, DOD is addressing potential shortages of GPS chips and cards.”
The military uses receivers in vehicles, munitions, and handheld devices to receive and process GPS data. The Air Force has been delayed in integrating M-code with its receivers, but GAO said the other departments are making progress.
To mitigate some of these delays, the Navy and Air Force are planning an interim solution that could provide limited M-code capability for aircraft.
The Army plans to field receivers in its platforms in fiscal years 2024 and 2025. The Navy plans to complete operational testing of its maritime receiver in fiscal year 2025.
GAO has reported on challenges DoD experienced developing these systems since 2009 and made many recommendations to improve those efforts. GAO said DoD has implemented eight of nine recommendations since 2022.
Just last month, an independent White House advisory group called out the DoD for lagging on positioning, navigation, and timing systems alternatives.
