Cedar Rapids, Iowa — On Thursday, October 1, 2026, defense prime BAE Systems received a $16 million contract from Collins Aerospace to design and integrate an M-Code Global Positioning System (GPS) solution for the U.S. Navy’s Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS).
Under the agreement, BAE Systems will supply its Digital GPS Anti-Jam Receiver (DIGAR-500M) to upgrade existing aircraft carrier landing infrastructure with military-grade, encrypted M-Code signal processing capabilities.
The contract transition supports the U.S. Navy’s broader requirement to protect precision approach navigation systems against electronic warfare, deliberate signal jamming, and spoofing attempts across contested maritime environments. JPALS functions as a high-precision, GPS-based auto-land guidance system that directs carrier-capable aircraft to safe, repeatable recoveries aboard naval vessels in adverse weather and zero-visibility conditions.
SAASM-to-M-Code Navigation Modernization
The integration builds upon BAE Systems’ long-standing role as the primary provider of GPS receiver hardware for the JPALS program. The legacy configuration relies on Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) technology to process military satellite signals. Upgrading the system architecture to M-Code provides an encrypted, higher-power GPS signal specifically engineered to resist radio frequency interference and electronic countermeasure threats.
The implementation of the DIGAR-500M hardware architecture enables concurrent SAASM and M-Code signal processing during flight operations. This dual-capability operational state allows Navy air wings to execute carrier recoveries across mixed fleets containing both legacy SAASM-equipped platforms and modernized M-Code aircraft.
Digital Beamforming and Signal Protection Architecture
The DIGAR-500M leverages advanced digital beamforming technology to maintain assured positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) data during critical landing phases. The receiver creates up to 24 simultaneous steered spatial beams directed toward operational GPS satellites, effectively isolating valid satellite navigation signals while nullifying electronic jamming emitters operating on surrounding frequencies.
By isolating signal vectors at the antenna processing stage, the receiver maintains high signal-to-noise ratios even when operating within heavy RF disruption zones. The system provides anti-jam and anti-spoof protection across fixed-wing, rotary, and uncrewed airborne platforms, as well as surface vessel installations.
Executive Perspective on Fleet Protection
“This award marks a significant milestone in the continued modernization of JPALS, a mission-critical capability enabling safe, precision aircraft recoveries aboard Navy carriers in all weather and environments,” said Molly O’Brien, Program Manager for Airborne GPS at BAE Systems. “Integrating M-Code strengthens JPALS against evolving threats and ensures our warfighters maintain a decisive operational advantage.”
Manufacturing Footprint and Delivery Schedule
Engineering design, software integration, and hardware fabrication for the DIGAR-500M units will take place at BAE Systems’ dedicated military GPS engineering and manufacturing complex in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Deliveries under the $16 million contract will support ongoing system integration tests with Collins Aerospace prior to fleet-wide deployment across U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike groups.
