LONDON (CHATNEWSTV) — The United Kingdom has introduced a cutting-edge atomic clock powered by quantum technology, a breakthrough expected to transform military operations by enhancing security, precision, and resilience against adversarial threats.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, the UK Ministry of Defence, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), and The Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP hailed the innovation as a significant milestone. Developed at Dstl, the quantum-enhanced clock achieves unprecedented accuracy, losing less than one second over billions of years.
The development marks the UK’s first step into quantum timekeeping, significantly reducing reliance on GPS systems, which are vulnerable to interference or attacks.
Strategic Military Applications
- Enable more precise and independent navigation systems, reducing reliance on GPS satellites, which are vulnerable to jamming or destruction in conflict scenarios.
- Secure communications systems, such as encrypted military networks, which depend on highly synchronised timekeeping.
- Enhance the accuracy of advanced weapon systems, like guided missiles, which rely on accurate timing to calculate trajectories and coordinate attacks.
- Allow Armed Forces to gain an edge over adversaries in timing-critical operations, especially in areas like cyber warfare, where milliseconds can make a difference.
“Integrating cutting edge technology into existing capabilities exemplifies the Government’s commitment to innovation in the defence sector, and to ensuring our Armed Forces have the best kit possible to keep us secure at home and strong abroad.
“The trialing of this emerging, groundbreaking technology could not only strengthen our operational capability, but also drive progress in industry, bolster our science sector and support high-skilled jobs.” said Defence Procurement Minister Maria Eagle MP.
The trial is the first time that Dstl has tested a UK-built optical atomic clock outside of a laboratory, offering a new capability beyond the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) that currently exist. GNSS vulnerabilities are a known national security risk, with atomic clock technology having the potential to provide a stable sovereign-controlled capability for maintenance of precise time for critical operations.
“This first trial of advanced atomic clock represents a significant achievement in the UK’s quantum technology capabilities.
“The data gathered will not only shape future Defence effort but is also a signal to industry and academia that we are serious about exploring quantum technologies for secure and resilient operational advantage.” Dstl’s Chief Executive, Paul Hollinshead, explains.
The trial involved key partners including Infleqtion (UK), Aquark Technologies, HCD Research and Imperial College London, as well as in-house technology developed at Dstl’s quantum laboratory. These prototype frequency standards were tested in collaboration with the Royal Navy’s Office of the Chief Technical Officer and the Army Futures team at the BattleLab.
“The Navy has been looking at quantum technologies for a number of years and it is exciting to see that the challenges of physics and engineering in this area are now no longer a scientific concept, but is now reaching the cusp of reality.”
“In the next few years, the ability to operate effectively, to survive, and to navigate and also to remain lethal with the use of Quantum alongside GPS will secure operational advantage.” Commander Matt Steele, the Future Technology Officer for the Royal Navy’s Office of the Chief Technical Officer, said.
“Quantum is really important to the UK especially from a defence perspective. If you look at what’s happening in the world at the moment, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that we need better and more robust position navigation and timing services, and that’s something that quantum is uniquely placed to be able to provide.” Jonathan, a technical leader for industry partner Infleqtion, concluded.
The ‘Demonstration of Advanced Timing Apparatus’ (DATA) is part of a planned series of experiments designed to understand the performance and limitations of quantum clocks, with potential benefits for military and national infrastructure resilience.
The MOD, via Dstl, has invested more than £28 million to shape the UK’s research and development to achieve early adopter advantage of these ground-breaking technologies and put defence and security needs at the forefront of the UK efforts.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
