Australia launches quantum research project for enhanced PNT

A DSTG scientist works on quantum clocks at the University of Adelaide. DSTG is leading a new project to develop quantum technologies-based PNT capabilities for the ADF. (Commonwealth of Australia)

The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) has initiated a project to research and develop quantum technologies that can provide secure and persistent position, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The DoD announced on 14 April that its Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) will lead this project. DSTG is partnering with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the Australian National University, and the University of Western Australia to implement the project.

“PNT is an essential component of the command and control (C2) of deployed forces. These technologies enable real-time operational and logistical information to be shared across defence assets in the air, on the land, and in the sea,” the DoD said.

The ADF relies on GPS for PNT. However, GPS receivers are susceptible to jammers or spoofing attacks. Under the project, DSTG will develop solutions that will enable the ADF to operate in contested environments when GPS is degraded or denied, the DoD added.

The DoD said that the project – funded by the Australian Army – aims to deliver two key components to achieve a “ground-to-satellite optical quantum link” including optical ground stations and quantum light sources.

“Establishing a direct link between the ground and a satellite allows for the robust, secure, and precise synchronisation of timing between defence assets across a battlespace,” the DoD said.

DSTG scientist Ben Sparkes said the agency will use quantum-secured time transfer (QSTT) signals to deliver the ground-to-satellite optical quantum link. QSTT cannot be spoofed and is difficult to jam and detect.