LOCATION & AZIMUTH DETERMINATION SYSTEM (LADS

The Location and Azimuth Determination System (LADS) is an initiative by the Army to enhance the operational capabilities of field artillery systems. This program aims to provide a lightweight, portable, and deployable inertial survey capability that operates independently of the Global Positioning System (GPS). By replacing the legacy Improved Position and Azimuth Determining System - GPS (IPADS-G), LADS addresses obsolescence issues and ensures continued support for cannon, rocket, missile, radar, and mortar platforms.

One of the primary goals of LADS is to deliver accurate location, azimuth, and direction information for all field artillery systems. The system is designed to be reliable and intuitive while being more cost-effective than its predecessor. Its ability to operate in GPS-denied or degraded environments is a significant advantage, ensuring military operations can continue seamlessly even when traditional navigation aids are unavailable. The system's versatility allows it to be operated by multiple military occupational specialties and integrated into various vehicles.

In fiscal year 2025, the program focuses on production engineering support and fielding costs. This supports the continued deployment of LADS across different platforms within the Army. A notable decrease in funding from fiscal year 2024 reflects the completion of some fielding activities. Additionally, in fiscal year 2023, emergency supplemental funding was allocated to replace systems transferred to Ukraine as part of international efforts against Russian aggression.

The strategic importance of LADS extends beyond conventional military applications. In accordance with Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, this system is essential for homeland defense missions and domestic emergency responses. It also plays a role in providing military support to civil authorities, highlighting its multifaceted utility in both combat and non-combat scenarios.