Precision Navigation Systems: Challenges Remain with Fielding New Capabilities

What GAO Found

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

The Air Force continues to make progress developing modernized GPS military code (M-code) receiver cards, but challenges remain with fielding and integration. For example, the M-code aviation receiver programs continue to encounter development and integration challenges. In response, the Navy is developing an interim solution for its aircraft to use M-code. On the other hand, the Army and Navy are fielding M-code capable and multi-PNT receivers in ground vehicles, ships, and Army aircraft. All the military services are also pursuing integration of complementary PNT data into multi-PNT receivers.

Challenges with aligning multiple, fragmented PNT efforts across the military services impact DOD’s ability to ensure that M-code and PNT efforts are completed promptly. Congress mandated a PNT Oversight Council to oversee the portfolio. While the council can make budget-related recommendations to the services, the services are responsible for their own budgets. The PNT enterprise could benefit from consolidating and aligning efforts among the services. DOD has taken some steps to consolidate multiple PNT efforts, such as combining aircraft PNT receivers and M-code receiver card efforts into a single Air Force managed joint program office. Benefits of consolidation could include synchronization of schedules and better strategic alignment of funding.

Why GAO Did This Study

The U.S. military and civilians depend daily on accurate PNT data provided by GPS operated by the Space Force on behalf of DOD. DOD has worked for decades to modernize its GPS, including the use of a new signal—called M-code—and other features to counter evolving threats. Challenges have delayed these efforts. The military services have also started developing and fielding complementary PNT systems to ensure the availability of this foundational military capability.

Congress included a provision in law for GAO to report on DOD’s GPS modernization efforts and development and fielding of complementary PNT efforts. This report (1) addresses the progress DOD has made in modernizing GPS and providing complementary PNT data to the warfighter; (2) discusses the status of DOD efforts to develop and field modernized PNT receivers; and (3) assesses the extent to which DOD has taken steps to oversee the PNT portfolio, and what challenges it is facing.

To conduct this work, GAO reviewed documentation from GPS modernization and complementary PNT programs and efforts and interviewed relevant officials from DOD and the military departments.