The Department of Defense (DOD) has been working for over two decades to modernize the Global Positioning System (GPS) with a more secure, jam-resistant military signal known as M-code. However, a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) finds that significant delays and challenges remain in delivering this critical capability to warfighters.
Ground Segment Modernization Faces Ongoing Delays
The Space Force’s Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) program, which will provide the ground control segment for modernized GPS, has faced multiple delays over the years. While the program completed an important qualification test in December 2023, several more test events and milestones must be achieved before the projected December 2025 operational acceptance.
Key challenges for OCX include:
- A backlog of nearly 300 critical deficiencies that need to be addressed
- Compressed timelines for remaining testing and transition activities
- Potential delays in transitioning satellite operations to the new system
The related OCX Block 3F program, which will add capabilities to control next-generation GPS satellites, has made progress in software development. However, ongoing delays with the core OCX program have complicated Block 3F efforts.
Space Segment Progressing but Schedule Risks Remain
The GPS III Follow-on (GPS IIIF) satellite program has addressed some technical and manufacturing challenges, but in doing so has used up schedule margin. This has resulted in delays to projected satellite deliveries:
- First GPS IIIF satellite delivery pushed from February 2026 to November 2026
- Deliveries for remaining satellites under contract delayed by an average of 17 months
These delays could put at risk DOD’s goal of maintaining 24 operational M-code capable satellites with high confidence through the 2030s. The Space Force is exploring ways to extend the life of current satellites to mitigate potential capability gaps.
User Equipment Development Progressing but Risks Remain
The Space Force’s Military GPS User Equipment (MGUE) programs have made progress in developing M-code capable receiver cards and chips:
- MGUE Increment 1 ground card development is complete
- MGUE Increment 1 aviation/maritime card approaching final testing
- Two of three contractors for MGUE Increment 2 have started critical design reviews
However, significant risks remain:
- Discovery of deficiencies in MGUE Increment 1 aviation/maritime card could further delay fielding
- MGUE Increment 2 at risk of exceeding 5-year timeline for middle tier acquisition programs
- Potential shortages of GPS chips and cards could create capability gaps
Military Departments Face Varying Safari open voice control settings Progress in Fielding M-code
The military departments are at different stages in acquiring and fielding M-code capable receivers:
Air Force:
- Facing significant delays in key receiver programs like R-EGI and EGI-M
- Delays impacting both Air Force and Navy aviation platforms
- Working on interim solutions to provide limited M-code capability
Army:
- Making progress on ground vehicle (MAPS) and handheld (DAPS) receivers
- Plans to field M-code receivers in fiscal years 2024-2025
- Successfully tested M-code capable aviation receiver (EAGLE-M)
Navy:
- Reliant on delayed Air Force receivers for aviation platforms
- Maritime receiver (GPNTS) progressing, with operational testing planned for FY2025
Marine Corps:
- Purchasing Army’s MAPS receiver for ground vehicles
- Developing plans for future ground vehicle and handheld receivers
Summary
While DOD has made progress in some areas of GPS modernization, significant work and challenges remain across the space, ground, and user segments. Continued delays in delivering M-code capability increase risk to warfighters as adversaries develop technologies to compromise GPS signals. Close coordination and risk management across the GPS enterprise will be critical to fielding this important capability in the coming years.
