Australian Navy tests quantum navigation to counter GPS spoofing

Australia’s Navy has successfully tested a quantum gravimetric navigation system developed by Q-CTRL, marking a significant advancement toward GPS-independent maritime navigation for defense purposes. The technology uses a quantum dual gravimeter to measure subtle variations in Earth’s gravity, allowing vessels to navigate by comparing these measurements to known gravity maps, effectively providing a GPS-free navigation method. This system was trialed aboard the Navy ship MV Sycamore for 144 hours under real maritime conditions without human interference, demonstrating reliable performance despite the ship’s motion and engine vibrations. The gravimeter is compact and energy-efficient, consuming only 180W of power, which is notably low for such advanced technology. The trials address a critical vulnerability in current navigation systems: GPS signal spoofing and denial, which have caused significant disruptions in commercial and military operations worldwide, including recent incidents in Middle Eastern waterways. GPS outages pose economic risks exceeding one billion dollars daily in the US alone, emphasizing the urgent need for robust alternatives. Quantum gravimetric navigation offers