The U.S. Army has officially begun distributing its next-generation navigation system, the Mounted Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing System (MAPS) GEN II. This updated hardware aims to enhance soldiers’ navigation and communication capabilities in challenging environments where traditional GPS may be compromised.
The MAPS GEN II builds upon its predecessor, MAPS GEN I, and is designed to function effectively even when GPS signals are denied or degraded. Its development aligns with the increasing need for troops to operate securely amidst complex electronic warfare threats. As confirmed by a service release, the system offers improved resilience against tactics such as GPS jamming and spoofing, which adversaries may employ to disrupt military operations.
According to Jennifer Thermos, the acting product manager of Mounted PNT, the risks posed by these threats can be significant. “Jamming is disruptive, but spoofing can be far more damaging,” she stated. “With spoofing, you’re still getting a GPS signal, but if you don’t have a system like MAPS GEN II that can recognize a spoofing attempt and reject it, you could be following a false GPS signal which could lead you right to where the enemy wants you.”
Enhanced Security Features and Training
The MAPS GEN II incorporates several advanced features, including tighter encryption, sensor fusion algorithms, and additional security enhancements. It also includes an alert system that warns soldiers of potential electronic interference threats. The first units to train with this new system include the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, part of the 2nd Infantry Division attached to the 7th Infantry Division.
Capt. Tianna Johnson of the 2nd Stryker Brigade described the importance of the system during training exercises. “GPS jamming was an issue we had to deal with in training. We must be prepared to respond to GPS jamming,” she explained. “In one case, MAPS indicated a detected threat, which was exactly what MAPS GEN II was designed to do, and we were able to take the appropriate actions.”
The rollout of MAPS GEN II follows its full-rate production approval in March 2023. This timing indicates a concerted effort by the Army to integrate advanced technology into its operational capabilities swiftly.
Integration with Future Technologies
MAPS GEN II is also designed to be compatible with the Army’s Next Generation Command and Control infrastructure, an integrated suite of hardware and software being developed in collaboration with Anduril and other key manufacturers. This integration reflects a broader strategy by the Pentagon to enhance technological capabilities across military services.
In September, the Army established a new task force under U.S. Central Command. This team comprises specialists in data integration, logistics, and information systems, all aimed at delivering effective technology solutions to units in the field within a rapid timeframe of 60 days.
As the U.S. Army continues to modernize its operations, the introduction of systems like MAPS GEN II represents a critical step towards ensuring that soldiers remain equipped to navigate and operate effectively, even in the face of modern warfare challenges.
