A successful flight demonstration that relied on quantum sensors for navigation indicates that the technology is edging toward operational military use. Quantum navigation stands to become an alternative as existing GPS satellite signals can now be regularly jammed or rendered inoperative by adversaries.

Quantum sensors were able to aid navigation by reading subtle variations in the Earth’s magnetic field during a four-hour test flight over the Pacific Ocean. The MagNav flight test was conducted by the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) aboard an Embraer 170, which flew for four hours and 23 minutes between Puget Sound and Southern Alaska without using GPS. The MagNav system proved to be 89 percent effective compared to other back-up navigation systems. 

The MagNav test flight over the ocean is indicative of its ability to navigate across featureless areas. Classical sensors often drift over time, which can lead to massive miscalculations if left unchecked. By reading the Earth’s magnetic signature, MagNav can provide an accurate positional map even when no visible landmarks exist.

MagNav development has proceeded at a fast pace due to its operational need. The MagNav technology has moved from problem solving to solicitation to prototype in a matter of months, according to Kyle Norman, DIU deputy director. The MagNav program launched in spring 2024. Honeywell Aerospace is developing the prototype and plans to test the technology aboard a larger USAF C-17 Globemaster III later this year. Eventually, MagNav tech should find its way aboard civilian aircraft.

Pentagon interest in quantum computing is developing quickly. Last month, DARPA, the Pentagon’s research arm, funded an effort by a company called Qunnect to transmit fragile qubits across a network. Qubits are vulnerable to arrange of environmental factors like heat, wind and even fiber movement.

Also adopting a more visible role in quantum research is the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory through its Quantum Science Institute. One key area of research is the development of quantum accelerometers, gyroscopes, gravimeters and magnetometers for ship and submarine use.

‘It’s exciting because we are exploring problems that classical computers just can’t solve,” says Institute director Adam Black.

Quantum research has generally been given a jumpstart as a result of President Trump’s executive order 14411 which prioritizes quantum research for the military. The executive order mandates operational breakthroughs in at least three aspects of quantum sensor tech by September 30, 2028. EO 14411 also requires an operational quantum computer for scientific research to be operated by the Department of Energy.