Since the end of the Second Tiberium War (TW2), GDI has been emphasizing containment of Tiberium, ecological recovery, space research, and economic prosperity over preparation for large scale conventional war. For more than a decade, GDI leaders have believed the threat posed by Nod and the rogue AI known as CABAL to be significantly degraded – if not eliminated all together.
GDI's new focus led to a sustained decline in force levels and a decrease in outlays for new conventional weapon systems. At the same time, investment in space programs for both civilian and military use has exploded. GDI has adopted a military strategy that relies on a mix of very high-end weapons and command and control systems in space coupled with cost-effective force projection on the ground. In other words, GDI wants the most advanced technology in orbit supporting ground forces equipped with basic weapon systems that are rugged, reliable, and relatively inexpensive to produce and maintain.
Space technology has raced ahead. GDI forward bases are now equipped with launch capability for drop pods, orbital artillery deployment, and other space-based weapons and intelligence systems. Ion Cannon technology has continued to evolve, taking enormous strides in lethality and accuracy. The Earth is ringed with a necklace of next-generation battle stations armed with powerful new Ion Cannons tied into the most sophisticated anti-satellite/anti-missile defense system in history. Ion Cannons can now hit large numbers of moving targets in space and the upper atmosphere as well as on the ground. The brain for this spectacular ASAT/ABM system is currently ground-based given the vast computing and communication requirements. However, a new generation of orbital platforms and space stations are being built with an eye to the future, with the crown jewel of the fleet being a dramatically expanded and upgraded GDSS Philadelphia.