The ground control system for the next-generation GPS III satellite constellation, known as OCX, will undergo a milestone B review sometime in June, Maj. Gen. Roger Teague, director of space programs, told reporters Wednesday. The review before the Defense Acquisition Board is meant “to ensure and formally re-baseline and establish and validate the program requirement,” as well as to confirm “the contractor’s plan for delivering that capability.” The Raytheon-developed OCX has a troubled history of cost overruns and delays, and Teague said, “the program is not out of the woods.” As part of the Nunn-McCurdy Breach requirements, the Government Accountability Office must prepare quarterly reports on the progress of the program, a level of oversight that Teague said “is going to continue to be required for the foreseeable future.” President Donald Trump’s Fiscal 2018 budget proposal sets aside $511 million for OCX development, Teague told reporters, which marks an increase of $119 million over President Barack Obama’s 2017 request. The milestone B review will also “review and certify the cost estimate” of the OCX program, Teague said.
Pentagon officials overseeing homeland counter-drone strategy told lawmakers that even with preliminary moves to bolster U.S. base defenses, the military still lacks the capability to comprehensively identify, track, and engage hostile drones like those that breached the airspace of Langley Air Force Base in Virginia for 17 days in December…