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.
Air Combat Command is looking for defense firms capable of providing a private counter-drone service, complete with the personnel to operate it, for defending air bases across the Air Force.