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.
The U.S. military is sending more fighter jets to the Middle East to step up its war with Iran, adding to what is already the largest buildup of airpower in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. For now, the operation shows little sign of coming to a quick…