DLA Exercises $316M Option on BAE Contract for M-Code GPS Modules

The Defense Logistics Agency has awarded BAE Systems $316 million for advanced M-Code Global Positioning System modules. M-Code is a military signal designed to protect positioning, navigation and timing capabilities from disruption.

BAE said that the award exercises an option on an existing contract that is now worth $641 million. The contract option calls for the manufacturing of common GPS modules for future ground, airborne and weapon GPS receivers for the Department of Defense and its allies, BAE said Thursday.

The company added that the option ensures the availability of GPS receivers hardened against jamming and spoofing capabilities that are expected in contested environments.

Frank Zane, navigation and sensor system business development director at BAE, said that the military is switching to M-Code to enable assured positioning, navigation and timing capabilities.

The company said that the contract positions it to meet domestic and international demand for M-Code modules in GPS receivers through the end of the decade.

BAE said that it is currently supplying two types of M-Code GPS receivers: the Miniature Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver Engine -M-Code and the NavStrike-M GPS receiver.

The company is scheduled to start delivering its ultra-small MicroGRAM-M receiver in 2022 and its Strategic Anti-jam Beamforming Receiver – M-Code in 2024.

“We’re ready to meet this need today with secure, reliable M-Code GPS solutions, and we’re developing the next-generation of solutions to stay ahead of the threat,” Zayne added.

In May, DLA also awarded BAE a $325.5 million multi-year contract to deliver M-Code GPS modules for use in contested electronic warfare environments.