Why Resilient GPS (R-GPS) Matters for US Military Superiority

In a Space News editorial published on April 17, 2025, L3Harris Space Systems President Jeff Hanke emphasized the urgent need for Resilient GPS (R-GPS) to maintain U.S. military superiority amid rising global threats. GPS has long been a foundation for national security and economic stability, yet increasing electronic warfare tactics — such as those seen in Ukraine — expose vulnerabilities in traditional GPS systems.

To counteract these threats, R-GPS proposes a flexible constellation of satellites deployed in the same orbit as existing GPS. This system boosts M-Code signal strength regionally and enhances jam resistance, giving warfighters reliable access to Precision, Navigation and Timing (PNT) capabilities in contested environments.

Unlike traditional GPS upgrades, which are slow and expensive, R-GPS offers a faster, commercially aligned deployment timeline. It is designed to work seamlessly with existing M-Code equipment and control systems, enabling rapid improvements without overhauling the infrastructure.

L3Harris argues that adopting R-GPS alongside widespread deployment of M-Code receivers is essential to ensuring PNT reliability and securing future battlefield dominance.