What is the future of military navigation systems?

For several years, the Global Positioning System (GPS) has been at the forefront of US military technology, and it is commonly used in a variety of applications. This post looks at current and potential military GPS programs and examines what the future holds for military navigation.

What is the military application of navigation systems?

Did you know the civilian and military GPS have the same accuracy? The main exception, according to GPS.gov, is that the military utilizes dual-frequency devices. The use of GPS augmentation systems can improve GPS precision for civilians in certain situations. In the military, the GPS is used in:

  • Search and rescue operations
  • Military surveys and Cartography
  • Navigation of vehicles
  • Precision guidance of military weapon systems
  • Aerial refueling

Navigation technology is evolving

The US military first used wireless GPS retransmission in 2004, and it has proved to be a game-changer in military action. This latest approach essentially increased the ability of a GPS repeater to obtain and retransmit data inside the boundaries of an armored ground or airborne vehicle. It also eliminates the need for soldiers to be hardwired to a connection, giving them the mobility and versatility they need to prepare and operate efficiently upon extraction.

The US military has recognized the need to actively test, improve, and redesign GPS systems in the fields of mapping, navigation, and timing as technology advances. In order to tackle GPS jammers and other challenges, the US military and others are creating GPS technologies and exploring alternatives. For instance, the new ideas involve  Inertial Navigation Systems, pseudolites (ground satellite systems), radio networks, and celestial navigation.

GPS infrastructure and GPS retransmission are also improving, allowing for better communications and access to individual soldiers as well as increasingly complicated GPS networks. GPS’s performance and efficacy are yet to be matched. Overall, GPS technology has unquestionably enabled soldiers to concentrate more on missions and safety while minimizing the role of “engineer” on the battlefield.