Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT)

The Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) program (PE 0604120A) is a critical Army modernization initiative focused on providing resilient and reliable PNT capabilities to ground maneuver forces. The program's overarching goal is to ensure Army units can access accurate positioning and timing information, even in environments where Global Positioning System (GPS) signals are degraded, jammed, or spoofed. This capability is essential for enabling Army forces to maneuver, communicate, and operate effectively in contested multi-domain environments. It supports the Army's Deliberate Transformation and Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) priorities.

BV4: Area Protection and Alternative Navigation Technology Development is a project line that supports the development of the Alternative Navigation (ALTNAV) Ground Control Segment (GCS). ALTNAV GCS provides a global navigation solution that serves as a complementary or contingency capability to GPS, in line with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Section 1611. The project aims to deliver radio frequency and source diversity to maintain assured PNT in GPS-denied environments. The ALTNAV effort received Middle Tier of Acquisition - Rapid Fielding (MTA-RF) approval in FY24, with a fully funded procurement plan through FY27. The project includes development, performance verification testing, and fielding of ALTNAV GCS, ensuring continued operations under the Army's PNT PACE (Primary, Alternative, Contingency, Emergency) Plan.

ED5: Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) focuses on developing modernization prototypes for layered and tiered PNT solutions for both client and vehicular platforms. The objectives include fully implementing a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), integrating Military GPS User Equipment (MGUE) Increment 2, and enhancing complementary PNT capabilities that provide accurate position and timing in the absence of GPS. The project continues prototype hardware and software development, systems engineering, and program management. It also supports the development of the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) Mounted Form Factor (CMFF) APNT Card, which was realigned to another budget activity for continued development.

EH8: DISMOUNTED addresses the need for Assured PNT for dismounted soldiers through the Dismounted APNT System (DAPS). DAPS is designed to provide resilient, survivable M-Code GPS-capable receivers and ALTNAV capabilities, ensuring soldiers have access to reliable PNT data in denied environments. The system is optimized for dismounted operations and leverages lessons learned from earlier Quick Reaction Capabilities (QRC). The focus is on completing operational assessments of anti-jam antenna integration for DAPS GEN II, with future roles envisioned for vehicular, maritime, and aviation applications. The acquisition strategy uses iterative development, competitive Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements, and Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contracts to mature technology and field solutions.

EJ2: MOUNTED supports the Mounted Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing System (MAPS), which provides assured PNT for Army vehicles and platforms. MAPS delivers resilient, M-Code GPS-capable receivers and ALTNAV solutions, addressing access and integrity gaps in contested electronic warfare and cyber environments. The system incorporates sensor fusion, anti-jam antennas, and beam steering to maintain PNT when GPS is compromised. MAPS GEN II completed key milestones, including Milestone C and Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E), and is authorized for full-rate production as of March 2025. The acquisition approach emphasizes modular open systems, iterative development, and competitive prototyping to enable future modernization and integration across Army formations.

Across all lines, the Assured PNT program is guided by requirements approved by the Army Requirements Oversight Council (AROC) and the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC), ensuring alignment with Congressional mandates and Department of Defense directives. The program leverages a mix of Federal Acquisition Regulation contracts, OTAs, and SBIRs to foster competition, accelerate prototyping, and transition technologies to production. The integration of MOSA and CMOSS standards is a recurring objective, supporting interoperability and future upgrades across Army platforms and systems.