Two Russian GLONASS operators last week descended upon Schriever AFB, Colo., meeting with GPS operators of the 2nd Space Operations Squadron. They were part of a group that included representatives from Europe and Japan, who were at the base to learn about the history and future of the Global Positioning System and its possible integration with GLONASS and future satellite navigation systems. GLONASS—Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System—was developed by the Soviets during the Cold War as the counterpoint to USAF’s Global Positioning System satellites.
The Pentagon wants to rapidly acquire new technology for downing hostile drones over military bases in the U.S. without endangering nearby civilians or infrastructure. However, experts maintain that engaging drones near civilian areas will always present challenges that technology alone cannot solve.