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 United States Air Force is flying less than historic norms and funding for acquisition and readiness is on a path to further hollow out this too small and old force to that is incapable of sustaining an enduring combat air campaign.
