Boeing has issued a statement declaring its intent to pursue the contract for the first eight next generation Global Positioning System satellites. These first GPS III sats are considered Block A and would be followed by increments B and C under USAF’s new block acquisition approach. Space and Missile Systems Center released the GPS III request for proposals last week. Boeing has produced earlier versions of GPS satellites, with launch of its GPS IIF sats set to begin next year. Lockheed Martin has been competing with Boeing for the GPS IIIA award, potentially valued at $1.8 billion.
F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico in recent days, continuing a major buildup of U.S. Air Force assets in Latin America aimed at combating drug trafficking and pressuring the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
