Innovative Quantum Technology by Leidos to Combat GPS Jamming Threats

Leidos Introduces Quantum Technology for GPS Navigation

In a groundbreaking development, Leidos, a prominent player in technology and engineering solutions, is harnessing quantum technology to enhance military navigation systems and tackle the vulnerability of the Global Positioning System (GPS) to jamming. GPS jamming has long been a substantial threat to military operations, creating a critical need for more robust navigation alternatives.

Leidos has secured a contract with the Defense Innovation Unit to address these concerns by developing a novel navigation technology known as magnetic navigation or MagNav. This innovative approach capitalizes on the variations in the Earth's magnetic field while employing the quantum properties of nitrogen vacancies found in diamonds. Aaron Canciani, the project manager for Leidos’ Transition of Quantum Sensing (TQS) team and an experienced former Air Force scientist, emphasizes that magnetic navigation eliminates the possibility of jamming since there is no signal to interfere with.

The essence of quantum sensing lies in its ability to utilize microscopic particles that exist in multiple states simultaneously. This advanced capability allows for precise detection of various geophysical properties, such as magnetic fields. The importance of a highly sensitive magnetometer in this technology cannot be overstated; it is here that quantum technology plays a crucial role.

According to Canciani, quantum magnetometers have the potential to significantly enhance both position and attitude accuracy within magnetic navigation systems. The use of nitrogen vacancy-diamond magnetometers plays a critical role, as these diamonds' crystal structure establishes a sensing axis that allows for accurate quantum measurements of the complete vector field. This level of precision is unprecedented compared to traditional magnetometers, which often experience drift due to their dependence on relative measurements.

Leidos is currently collaborating with Frequency Electronics, Inc. to develop this new magnetometer. This partnership also includes contributions from MIT's Lincoln Laboratory, ensuring a robust foundation for the research and application of this technology.

As Leidos plans to test the MagNav system equipped with the new magnetometer, the implications of success could be transformative. This emerging technology possesses the capability to radically advance navigation for military applications, providing a significant strategic advantage in various operations.

About Leidos
Leidos is a leader in technology and engineering, delivering innovative solutions to government and commercial clients globally. With its headquarters in Reston, Virginia, Leidos boasts a workforce of 48,000 employees and reported annual revenues around $16.7 billion for the fiscal year concluding on January 3, 2025. For further details, please visit www.Leidos.com.

In conclusion, Leidos' pioneering work in quantum technology marks a new chapter in military navigation strategies. The ongoing development of the MagNav system signifies a hopeful future where vulnerabilities related to GPS can be effectively mitigated, ensuring greater reliability and security in navigation efforts.