QuantX Labs and the University of Adelaide's quantum clocks have been trialled over a six-week period in Washington DC, United States. The trials saw each company contribute two quantum clocks, which were tested by AUKUS partners under various environmental conditions to evaluate their performance and potential for defence applications, including communication and navigation systems.
“Australian industry has long been at the forefront of quantum technology," Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, said.
“This collaboration harnesses expertise and experience from AUKUS partners and leverages emerging technologies to deliver the capabilities our militaries need."
The four Australian‑developed quantum technology clocks were trialled as part of the Australian Government’s $2.7 million investment towards these AUKUS Pillar Two capabilities.
“Through AUKUS Pillar II, we are achieving capability development faster than any one of our nations could achieve alone," Conroy stated.
Quantum clocks are used to assure the synchronisation of communications networks, detect GPS spoofing and jamming, and provide reliable position, navigation and timing in contested environments.
Integrating this technology into AUKUS partners’ militaries will hopefully enhance the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) ability to operate in environments where GPS navigation is unreliable or unavailable.
These clocks have been developed in Adelaide in conjunction with the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), and sovereign industry and academic partners. This is part of the Government’s investment in advanced capabilities, including up to $3.8 billion over the next decade in the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator.
The outcomes of the quantum clock trial will be shared among AUKUS partners to inform analysis of how quantum clocks may be used in future defence operations.
Quantum technology will play a role in the future of the ADF, as identified in the 2024 National Defence Strategy and the Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy.