World’s most advanced quantum clocks tested for GPS-free navigation

Four advanced quantum clocks developed by Australian entities—QuantX Labs and the University of Adelaide—were successfully tested in Washington, DC, marking a significant milestone in the AUKUS alliance’s efforts to advance next-generation defense technologies under Pillar Two of the agreement. These six-week trials evaluated the clocks’ performance across various environmental conditions to determine their suitability for defense applications such as secure communications, navigation, and electronic warfare. Quantum clocks offer extremely precise timekeeping, which is vital for coordinating military networks, detecting GPS interference or spoofing, and enabling reliable navigation when GPS signals are unavailable. The Australian government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has invested approximately A$2.7 million (US$1.75 million) in this project, which is part of a broader A$3.8 billion (US$2.48 billion) Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator program aimed at developing cutting-edge technologies over the next decade. The University of Adelaide’s optical atomic clock uses warm ytterbium vapor