Precision Navigation Systems: Challenges Remain with Fielding New Capabilities

The Department of Defense relies on GPS for military operations. But it's vulnerable to interference and jamming. DOD's decades-long efforts to strengthen GPS are behind schedule and over budget.

DOD has explored ways to get navigation data to the battlefield if GPS service is disrupted. For example, it's developing navigation receivers that use non-GPS satellites, as well as automated observations of the sun, moon, and stars. But these efforts vary in scale and are currently fragmented across the military services.

Better coordination could help DOD's efforts stay on track and within budget.

Two people in camouflage clothing pointing at a tablet while viewing a map and a phone on a table

The Department of Defense’s (DOD) efforts to modernize GPS continue to face delays. In response, DOD is developing new complementary sources of positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) data to mitigate GPS threats. In 2026, after years of delays, DOD canceled the Next Generation Operational Control System ground control system and began modernizing the existing GPS Operational Control Segment. Among other effects, this creates risks for the launch, checkout, and operation of new GPS satellites. Given ongoing threats to GPS, DOD is operating and continuing development of (1) satellite-based PNT systems, (2) non-satellite-based PNT systems, and (3) backup timing solutions.

Operational Illustration of Threats to GPS and Complementary Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Systems