Intelligence operations frequently occur in GPS-denied or GPS-compromised environments: urban areas with intentional jamming, indoor facilities, underground, and contested airspace. Quantum PNT technologies offer two capabilities critical to intelligence: atomic clocks that maintain precise timing for SIGINT synchronisation without satellite updates, and quantum inertial sensors that track position with minimal drift for covert navigation. This workshop assesses technology readiness for intelligence applications.
Quantum inertial sensors based on cold atom interferometry offer navigation precision one to two orders of magnitude better than classical MEMS and fibre optic gyroscope systems. For intelligence operations, this means longer autonomous navigation periods between GPS fixes, reduced vulnerability to jamming and spoofing, and more precise positioning for SIGINT geolocation. Separately, optical lattice atomic clocks provide timing holdover measured in days rather than hours, critical for time-difference-of-arrival (TDOA) signal location and coherent SIGINT processing.
The challenge for intelligence applications is size, weight, and power. Current quantum inertial sensors occupy laboratory benches. Chip-scale atomic clocks exist but sacrifice precision for miniaturisation. This workshop examines the engineering trajectory from current demonstrations to intelligence-deployable systems, assessing which platforms and operations could benefit first and what development investment would accelerate capability delivery.
Full day workshop structure with scheduled breaks. Content is configurable to your organisation's technical level and operational environment.
| # | Session | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GPS-Denied Intelligence Operations Why quantum PNT matters for intelligence |
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| 2 | Quantum Inertial Sensors for Intelligence Atom interferometry for covert navigation |
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| Break, after 60 min | ||
| 3 | Atomic Clocks for Intelligence Timing Precision timing for SIGINT and operations synchronisation |
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| 4 | Interactive Demonstration Quantum PNT performance modelling for intelligence scenarios |
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| Break, after 90 min | ||
| 5 | Platform Integration and Deployment From sensor to intelligence capability |
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| 6 | Case Studies: Quantum PNT for Intelligence Published development programmes and trials |
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| 7 | Q&A and Capability Planning | |
Workshops are designed and delivered by QSECDEF in collaboration with sector specialists. All facilitators have direct experience in both quantum technologies and intelligence 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
Intelligence workshops are co-delivered with sector specialists who bring direct operational experience in intelligence 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.
