COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The U.S. Space Force unveiled a long-term vision for its future force structure that places renewed emphasis on strengthening GPS capabilities in contested environments, as part of its “Objective Force 2040” plan announced at the 41st Space Symposium here. Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman said through an assessment of mission areas, the service has built a framework for systems, formations and support structures during the next 15 years.
The Objective Force calls for augmenting future GPS with diverse allied and commercial navigation and timing systems. The plan also includes establishing a new NAVWAR squadron and upgrading receivers across the joint force to leverage the more resilient architecture, the Space Force said.
Officials said the move reflects a broader recognition that GPS can no longer operate as a standalone system in future conflicts, where adversaries are expected to deploy persistent electromagnetic and cyber attacks. By integrating multiple sources of positioning data and diversifying capabilities, the service seeks to maintain reliable navigation and timing even in degraded or denied environments.
Lockheed Martin Launches GPS III Satellite, Advancing Next-Generation Navigation Capabilities
In other Space Force news, the service launched the last GPS III satellite April 21 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Station, Fla. The Lockheed Martin-built LMT 0.00%↑ GPS III satellite, Vehicle 10 (SV10), paves the way for the advanced GPS IIIF generation, which will bring even stronger anti-jamming capabilities for warfighters and improvements for civilian users.
Onboard the satellite, the Crosslink Demonstration Payload will test optical crosslink capabilities to improve ground segment resiliency and enable faster tasking of GPS satellites, the Space Force said.
GPS III satellites deliver critical advancements over legacy spacecraft, including three‑times greater accuracy, eight‑times stronger anti‑jamming capability, and secure M‑Code signals for warfighters worldwide.
