Lockheed Martin, Q-CTRL, and AOSense Partner to Develop Quantum-Enabled Navigation System for GPS-Denied Environments

Insider Brief:

• Lockheed Martin announced they have secured DIU contract to prototype a quantum-enabled Inertial Navigation System (QuINS) to provide precise navigation without GPS, addressing vulnerabilities in contested environments.

• Lockheed will partner with with Q-CTRL for quantum control expertise and AOSense for high-performance quantum sensors in hopes of transitioning quantum navigation from research to real-world deployment.

• The initial phase of the contract will test QuINS in real-world conditions, with the goal of enhancing military navigation and potentially informing future civilian navigation technologies.

PRESS RELEASE — In a recent company post, Lockheed Martin announced it has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit to prototype a quantum-enabled Inertial Navigation System, known as QuINS. This system is expected to provide precise location tracking without reliance on GPS, a necessary capability in contested environments where satellite navigation is unavailable or unreliable.

Quantum Sensing for Navigation

QuINS leverages quantum sensing technology to measure motion with extreme precision, calculating position, velocity, and orientation based on internal measurements rather than external signals. Doing so addresses a major limitation in modern navigation systems, which currently depend on GPS and are vulnerable to jamming or signal loss. By using ultra-sensitive quantum sensors, QuINS would be able to maintain navigational accuracy in GPS-denied environments, which is notably an advantage for military applications.

“Our intent is to mature this innovative technology and transition quantum sensors out of the laboratory to address real-world national security needs,” said Dr. Valerie Browning, Vice President of Research & Technology at Lockheed Martin, in the company announcement. “Our investments to date in technologies like quantum sensing help us stay ahead of future challenges for national defense.”

Industry Collaboration

Lockheed Martin is partnering with Q-CTRL, a quantum control engineering firm, and AOSense, a developer of high-performance quantum sensors for position, navigation, and timing applications. Q-CTRL specializes in stabilizing and optimizing quantum systems to maintain their reliability in operational settings. The company previously received investment from Lockheed Martin’s venture capital arm, LM Ventures, and has developed quantum control solutions to improve the performance of quantum sensors.

“We’re excited to be working with a key industry leader like Lockheed Martin to transition innovative technologies from science to capability,” said Q-CTRL CEO and Founder Prof. Michael J. Biercuk. “Lockheed has shown the right mix of risk appetite and expertise to deliver truly transformational capabilities to the warfighter that few others can, and we’re thrilled to partner in our quest to make quantum technology actually useful.”

AOSense brings expertise in designing and manufacturing atom-based quantum sensors, which rely on the properties of ultracold atoms to achieve unprecedented precision in measuring acceleration and rotation. This expertise, combined with Lockheed Martin’s capabilities in sensor hardening and platform integration, is expected to accelerate the transition of quantum navigation from research to operational use.

Contract Scope and Next Steps

The initial phase of the DIU contract focuses on validating the performance of QuINS technology under real-world conditions. Lockheed Martin and its partners will work closely with the DoD to assess its viability for military applications, exploring its potential impact on defense navigation strategies.

As modern conflicts increasingly involve electronic warfare and GPS disruptions, alternative navigation methods have become a priority for defense agencies. Quantum sensing is often seen as one of the more valid solutions, as it enables navigation based on fundamental physical measurements rather than external signals susceptible to interference.

The QuINS project aligns with ongoing defense initiatives to develop resilient PNT solutions that reduce reliance on GPS. If successful, it could serve as a foundation for future navigation technologies in both military and civilian applications.