US Army looking for new candidate to replace GPS satellite navigation

US Army units have begun receiving updated navigation hardware called the GEN II Positioning, Navigation and Timing System (MAPS).

The new system builds on its predecessor, MAPS GEN I, to provide soldiers with better navigation and communication capabilities in high-stress environments where GPS is denied or degraded.

MAPS Gen II is designed to be compatible with new technology being used across the Army. It is also more secure against sophisticated electronic warfare threats, such as adversaries attempting to disrupt GPS navigation technology through jamming or spoofing, according to a U.S. Army press release.

“Jamming can be disruptive, but spoofing can be much more damaging. With spoofing, you still get a GPS signal, but without a system like MAPS GEN II that can recognize and reject the spoofing, you could be tracking a fake GPS signal that leads you right to where the enemy wants you,” Jennifer Thermos, acting product manager at Mounted PNT, said in a press release.

The new system protects users from these pitfalls with tighter encryption, sensor fusion algorithms, and additional security enhancements, the release said. It also has an alert system that helps soldiers stay alert to electronic jamming threats.

Units recently trained to use the new system include the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, assigned to the 7th Infantry Division, according to the Pentagon.

“GPS jamming is an issue we deal with during training,” said Capt. Tianna Johnson of the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. “We have to be prepared to respond to GPS jamming. In one instance, MAPS detected a threat, as MAPS GEN II is designed to do, and we were able to take appropriate action.”

The deployment of the new system follows approval for full production in March of this year. MAPS Gen II is also compatible with the US Army’s Next Generation Command and Control Infrastructure, an integrated set of hardware and software currently being developed by Anduril and several other key manufacturers.

Integrating new technology across the service is a top priority for the Pentagon. In September, officials created a new U.S. Central Command task force, made up of diverse experts in data integration, logistics, resources and information systems, to deliver actionable technology to units in the field within 60 days.