With spectacular advancements in military technology, the battlefields of today are powered by hi-tech gadgets, space-based lasers, advanced bipedal robots and of course super drones. In the midst of all these, the GPS-enabled devices have emerged as one of the best ways in which the military capabilities can be enhanced. As nations are working towards boosting their self-defense capabilities, they do not want to be caught up in a situation wherein their armed forces suffer from an “innovation gap”. This explains the growing market of military GPS devices at the global level, which in the opinion of analysts at Technavio will record a CAGR of close to 4% by 2020.
Initially adopted by the American military to track their targets and improve their battleground, the use of GPS-enabled devices and weapon systems in the military has seen an upscale over the past decade. Along with better navigation and tracking, the GPS system also provides accurate digital mapping, aiding the commanding officers to scan and update the maps effortlessly. Better and immediate updates in maps mean the combat strategies can be planned in a meticulous manner, and the military facilities can be managed effectively.
Latest trends in the military GPS device market:
Anti-jamming GPS devices
Undoubtedly the use of GPS technology has revolutionized modern warfare, and the military forces are highly dependent on satellite technology for accurate positioning, timing, and communications. However, often the GPS signals are weak and susceptible to atmospheric interference and intentional jamming. Jamming becomes even more common occurrence with several low-power jammers readily available online which can easily overpower signals received by the GPS devices within a large area, denying a position solution and timing. GINCAN and NovAtel are some of the best examples of low-cost jammers which are easily available. The only solution to counter such a situation is the use of GPS devices which have anti-jamming features installed in it. Anti-jammers are null-forming antenna systems that preserve the antenna’s view of GPS satellites while ignoring jammers; ensuring the satellite signals necessary to compute time and position are always available.
GPS retransmission and splitters
Several military operations are conducted underground or in a tunnel region. Here the GPS signals tend to be feeble. In fact, it is the navy and air force which usually encounter the problem of weak, denied or blocked signals as compared to the army. GPS retransmission devices provide the GPS signals to systems at locations where it would otherwise not be possible. GPS splitters is another emerging trend in the global GPS device market. It facilitates the streamlining of installation processes by allowing the use of a single GPS referencing antenna and cable arrangement for multiple synchronization systems.
Additional services provided by GPS
Though the primary purpose of the GPS devices is to provide information regarding the position, navigation and time; gradually newer technologies are being embedded with GPS receivers to produce a more helpful and complex military tool. For instance, recently a Switzerland-based company made use of the U-Blox technology to develop what they call a GPS Log Book. This device has expanded the use of GPS technology to the administrative side of the military operations by providing a simpler way for the military drivers to keep a record of routes automatically, speed and distance traveled.
Another major trend in the military GPS device market is the use of Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS). An enhancement to the GPS, DGPS provides improved location accuracy and is equipped with intercontinental ballistic missiles that can hit targets across thousands of miles. It is one of the most accurate missile-targeting technologies for militaries across regions.
As governments of various countries are exploring ways in which the GPS devices can strengthen their military capabilities, some even looking for the possibility of tracking the soldiers’ activities in real time by embedding the devices into the vests and uniforms of soldiers – it is interesting to analyze to what extent the GPS devices can be improvised.
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