GPS denial and spoofing are established adversary capabilities. When satellite navigation is unavailable, military platforms need autonomous position, navigation, and timing (PNT). Quantum sensors offer two transformative capabilities: atomic clocks that maintain nanosecond-level timing for days without synchronisation, and quantum inertial measurement units that drift orders of magnitude less than classical gyroscopes. This workshop examines the physics, hardware maturity, and integration challenges for quantum PNT in defence.
Classical inertial navigation systems (INS) accumulate drift over time. Ring laser gyroscopes and fibre optic gyroscopes in military-grade INS accumulate position errors of approximately 1 nautical mile per hour. Quantum inertial sensors based on cold atom interferometry measure rotation and acceleration with fundamentally higher precision, potentially reducing drift by one to two orders of magnitude. Separately, optical lattice atomic clocks (strontium, ytterbium) maintain timing stability below 10^-18, enabling holdover periods of days rather than hours.
For defence platforms, the challenge is engineering. Laboratory quantum sensors occupy optical tables and require vibration isolation incompatible with military vehicles. This workshop examines the engineering trajectory from laboratory demonstrations to field-deployable systems, covering size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints, vibration compensation techniques, and the timelines published by leading developers (ColdQuanta/Infleqtion, AOSense, Muquans, iXblue). Participants assess which quantum PNT technologies are nearest to operational deployment and which remain years away.
Full day workshop structure with scheduled breaks. Content is configurable to your organisation's technical level and operational environment.
| # | Session | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GPS Vulnerability and Defence PNT Requirements Why quantum alternatives are needed |
|
| 2 | Quantum Inertial Sensing Technology Atom interferometry for navigation |
|
| Break, after 60 min | ||
| 3 | Atomic Clocks for Defence Timing Holdover, synchronisation, and distribution |
|
| 4 | Interactive Demonstration Quantum PNT system performance modelling |
|
| Break, after 90 min | ||
| 5 | Engineering and Integration Challenges From laboratory to military platform |
|
| 6 | Case Studies: Quantum PNT Programmes Government and industry development status |
|
| 7 | Q&A and Technology Investment Planning | |
Workshops are designed and delivered by QSECDEF in collaboration with sector specialists. All facilitators have direct experience in both quantum technologies and defence systems.
Workshop design and delivery
QSECDEF brings world-leading expertise in post-quantum cryptography, quantum computing strategy, and defence-grade security assessment. Our advisory membership spans 600+ organisations and 1,200+ professionals working at the intersection of quantum technologies and critical infrastructure security.
Domain expertise and operational validation
Defence workshops are co-delivered with sector specialists who bring direct operational experience in defence organisations. This ensures workshop content is grounded in regulatory, operational, and technical realities specific to the sector.
Sessions are configured around your organisation's technical level, operational environment, and regulatory jurisdiction. Get in touch to discuss requirements and schedule a date.
Contact UsQuantum technologies are evolving quickly and new developments emerge regularly. This page was last updated on 15/03/2026. For the most current information about course content and suitability for your organisation, we recommend contacting us directly.
