U.S. Air Force, Boeing extend GPS sustainment pact

Boeing and the U.S. Air Force signed off on extending their partnership for sustaining the navigation capabilities of Global Positioning System satellites.

Under the agreement, Boeing and the Air Force will support military and civilian uses for the GPS block IIA and IIF satellites for the next five years. Boeing has also been contracted to develop next-generation GPS platforms.

"This agreement continues Boeing's strong legacy of GPS innovation and mission support," Boeing's Dan Hart said in a press release. "We are focused on delivering reliable, affordable and resilient GPS capability now and for generations to come."

The GPS Block IIF includes 12 satellites supporting civilian and military navigation capabilities. The spacecraft are designed to improve upon their predecessors by providing increased jamming resistance and new broadcasting signals.

In a statement announcing the new agreement with the Air Force, Boeing noted the company's GPS satellites have a combined 550 years of on-orbit operation. The aerospace contractor delivered its 50th satellite to the Air Force in May 2016.