Joint Precision Approach And Landing System (

The Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) is a critical Navy aviation electronic equipment program, funded under line item 2867 in the FY 2026 Department of Defense budget. JPALS is designed to provide a primary precision approach and landing capability for aircraft carriers (CVN) and amphibious assault ships (LHA/D), specifically supporting aircraft such as the F-35B, F-35C, MQ-25, CMV-22, and future platforms that lack the legacy SPN-46 Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS). The system, designated AN/USN-3(V)1 and also known as the Satellite Signals Landing System (SSLS), enables safe and reliable aircraft recovery operations in all weather conditions, including night and instrument flight scenarios, and in contested environments.

JPALS leverages satellite-based navigation and over-the-air inertial alignment capabilities to support precision landings and approaches. Its objectives include providing coupled approach capability to a hover transition point for LHA/D ships and auto-land capability for CVN ships. This is particularly important for supporting advanced aircraft platforms that do not have Link-4A capability, ensuring interoperability and future-proofing Navy aviation operations. The program also enhances operational safety and efficiency by reducing reliance on legacy systems and improving recovery operations in challenging conditions.

For FY 2026, the JPALS budget line funds the installation of two Landing Autonomous Navigation Technology for Enhanced Recovery to Navy Ships (LANTERNS) units. LANTERNS is a modernization initiative that augments JPALS by providing autonomous navigation enhancements for shipboard recovery operations. These installations aim to improve the precision and reliability of aircraft landings, particularly for unmanned and next-generation platforms. The procurement also includes Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) for an Agnostic Data Link and a Waveoff Circuit Card Assembly (CCA), which address operational requirements such as compensating for erroneous waveoff signals for the MQ-25A unmanned aerial vehicle.

The JPALS program is managed by the Navy, with Raytheon and NAWC WOLF (Naval Air Warfare Center, Webster Outlying Field) serving as primary manufacturers and integrators. Production contracts were awarded in May 2019, and the material support date was established in March 2023. The program has reached key acquisition milestones, with Milestone B in June 2016 and Milestone C in April 2019, indicating its transition from development to full-rate production and fielding.

In addition to procurement and installation, the JPALS budget supports integrated logistics and production engineering activities. These objectives ensure that the system is properly sustained, maintained, and upgraded over time. Integrated logistics support includes training, documentation, and spare parts provisioning, while production engineering focuses on continuous improvement and adaptation of the system to meet evolving operational needs. The FY 2026 request also reflects a reduction for Advisory and Assistance Services, in alignment with Executive Order 14222, which promotes government efficiency and cost savings.