Lockheed Martin has entered into a significant contract with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) aimed at prototyping a cutting-edge quantum-enabled inertial navigation system, referred to as QuINS. This advanced system utilizes motion-sensitive quantum sensors capable of determining a platform’s position, speed, and orientation with remarkable precision.
One of the most notable features of QuINS is its ability to deliver accurate navigation and location-tracking capabilities, even in the absence of GPS signals. This characteristic is particularly crucial for military operations in contested environments where traditional navigation aids may be compromised. In collaboration with two prominent firms, Q-CTRL and AOSense, Lockheed Martin will embark on a multi-phase initiative to assess QuINS’s performance. This initial phase will focus on testing the quantum sensing capabilities of the system and exploring its practical applications in real-world scenarios.
Valerie Browning, Vice President of Research & Technology at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the importance of collaboration in this transformative project, stating that partnering with leaders in the quantum industry brings together the necessary expertise to create innovative solutions that cater to the needs of the warfighter. She expressed optimism regarding the system’s potential to save lives on the battlefield, underscoring its relevance in modern warfare.
The U.S. government’s interest in advancing quantum sensor applications for military use aligns with the broader objectives of the Robust Quantum Sensors program initiated by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This program is concentrated on developing quantum sensors tailored for moving military platforms, broadening the scope of navigation from traditional methods reliant on light and sound to state-of-the-art quantum technology.
The potential applications of these advancements extend beyond navigation, encompassing fields like computing, encryption, and communications. The push to enhance military capabilities using quantum technology reflects an ongoing effort to adapt to evolving threats and the increasing complexity of modern warfare.
In a parallel initiative, the U.S. Air Force has recently commissioned SandboxAQ, a company that emerged from Alphabet, to develop a quantum navigation system specifically designed to improve navigation precision in environments where GPS signals might be blocked or jammed. This signals an overarching trend in the military towards leveraging quantum technology as a vital component of future operational readiness.
