Jam Beyond Jelly Means Money - Think About It

Here’s something you may not have thought about: GPS jamming isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a growing national security issue. And the latest U.S. arms sale underscores how military forces are racing to counter this threat.

On January 15, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced a new foreign military sale to Japan. The deal includes 16 AGM-158B/B-2 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range—JASSM-ER—for an estimated $39 million. But the real story? It’s not just about the missiles. It’s about a critical component—one that’s becoming increasingly essential in modern warfare: the JASSM Anti-Jam Global Positioning System Receiver, or JAGR.

For Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor, JAGR is more than just an add-on—it’s a game-changer. This technology ensures that the missile can navigate precisely, even when enemies try to disrupt GPS signals. JAGR, combined with stealth features, a modernized missile control unit, and enhanced software, makes JASSM-ER one of the most advanced cruise missiles in the world.

Why is this important? Because GPS jamming is no longer a hypothetical problem. It’s happening—and often.

Take North Korea, for example. Over the years, it’s repeatedly disrupted GPS signals, impacting commercial aircraft and maritime navigation in South Korea. The strategy is simple: overpower GPS frequencies with stronger signals, rendering navigation systems useless. And now, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, GPS jamming has become even more widespread. Airspace and sea lanes far from the front lines—like the Baltic—have seen increasing disruptions, affecting commercial airlines and global shipping.

That’s why demand for technology like JAGR is rising. Just last year, the U.S. Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a massive $3.2 billion contract for JASSM and its naval counterpart, the AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile. The contract includes sales not just to Japan, but also to the Netherlands, Finland, and Poland.

And it’s not just about the missiles. Japan’s recent purchase includes full munitions support, spare parts, software updates, testing, and personnel training. Because in today’s world, having advanced weaponry isn’t enough—you also need the tools to keep them working when it matters most.