iscover
Lockheed Martin has secured a contract from the US Department of Defense’s Innovation Unit (DIU) to develop a quantum-enabled inertial navigation system, known as QuINS.
This cutting-edge technology aims to enhance navigation for military forces by providing precise positioning without reliance on global positioning system (GPS).
QuINS employs quantum sensors to measure motion, calculating a platform’s position, speed, and orientation internally. Unlike traditional systems that depend on external signals, this approach ensures reliable navigation in GPS-denied environments.
“We’re working to transition quantum sensors from the lab to real-world defence applications,” said Dr Valerie Browning, vice president of research and technology at Lockheed Martin. “Our collaboration with Q-CTRL and AOSense brings together the expertise needed to deliver a revolutionary capability with the potential to save lives on the battlefield.”
Lockheed Martin is partnering with Q-CTRL, a quantum control engineering firm, and AOSense, which specialises in high-performance quantum sensors. Q-CTRL, previously backed by Lockheed Martin’s venture arm, enhances quantum device stability, while AOSense contributes expertise in position, navigation and timing (PNT) applications.
The DIU’s Transition of Quantum Sensing (TQS) program aims to demonstrate the military utility of quantum sensors for positioning, navigation, timing and anomaly detection. The initiative spans five areas: inertial sensors, gravimeters, magnetic anomaly detection, magnetic navigation and component development. Over 12 months, more than 10 field tests will assess quantum sensing applications across ground, air and maritime domains.
“In less than six months, we progressed from strategy to execution, deploying unique technical solutions,” said Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Estep, director of the Emerging Technologies Portfolio at DIU. The US Air Force, Space Force and Navy are key stakeholders, with applications ranging from airborne and maritime navigation to land surveying through quantum gravimetry.
Quantum inertial sensors utilise atom interferometry or noble gas magnetic moment shifts to detect motion with high precision. These methods provide significant advantages over classical systems, particularly in GPS-denied environments. The US Navy is actively pursuing quantum-based gravimetry for maritime navigation, while quantum magnetometers offer new opportunities for detecting adversarial objects and enhancing navigation.
The TQS initiative also focuses on reducing the size, weight and power consumption of quantum sensors, ensuring their viability in military operations. Key developments include chip-scale lasers, photonics-integrated circuits and advanced electronics.
“Quantum technology is a game changer for defence, but it relies on advancements in materials, microelectronics and other enabling fields,” said Dr John Burke, principal director of Quantum Science at the DoD. “By fostering a sustainable quantum ecosystem, we can integrate these technologies into defence platforms for a competitive edge.”
Following a competitive selection process, DIU awarded contracts to a diverse mix of companies, including Lockheed Martin, Q-CTRL, Northrop Grumman, Honeywell and several emerging quantum tech firms. The program is set to achieve significant milestones throughout 2025, with field demonstrations expected across all lines of effort.
“As we leverage quantum mechanics for robust and resilient positioning, navigation and timing, TQS represents the dawn of a new era in defence technology,” said Dr Jeff Hebert, senior scientist for PNT at the Air Force Research Laboratory.
