- The Air Force has assumed full ownership of the MGUE Increment 1 and Increment 2 programs from the Space Force
- The MAR JPO will oversee the development and fielding of military GPS receivers with resilient positioning, navigation and timing capabilities
- The transition began with the joint program office’s creation in November 2024 and shifted acquisition authority to the Air Force in December 2025
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center formally accepted two Military GPS User Equipment, or MGUE, programs from the U.S. Space Force on May 28, the Space Systems Command said Thursday.
The Air Force’s expanded role in resilient military GPS capabilities comes as senior Air Force and Space Force leaders prepare to discuss next-generation technologies at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit, happening in just a few days on July 30. Register now!
What Does the Transition Plan Establish?
With the MGUE Transition Support Plan signed by then-commander of AFLCMC, Lt. Gen. Donna Shipton, the Air Force now holds full ownership of the MGUE Increment 1 and Increment 2 programs, placing development and fielding of resilient positioning, navigation and timing capabilities under the Military Code Aviation Receivers Joint Program Office, or MAR JPO.
The transition comes as the military continues developing next-generation GPS receivers, including the Maritime and Aviation Receiver Card, or MAVRC, which is designed to build on capabilities developed under MGUE Increment 1.
How Did the Transfer Take Shape?
The Air Force and Space Force began the transition with the creation of the MAR JPO in November 2024. The services’ acquisition executives approved a formal transfer plan in April 2025 and acquisition authority moved to the Air Force in December. In January 2026, responsibility for the programs shifted to the Air Force materiel leader at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California.
The Space Force provided technical engineering expertise, administrative documentation and personnel support during the transition.
How Will the Services Manage GPS Responsibilities?
The Air Force will execute the MGUE programs as part of the GPS enterprise, while the Space Force will continue managing the system’s ground and space segments. The Space Force’s broader GPS modernization efforts include the Next Generation Operational Control System, or OCX, which supports the system’s operational control segment.
The MAR JPO will oversee the programs’ development and fielding through their life cycles. The services said they will continue working together to preserve the integrity of the GPS enterprise for military and civilian users.
