A trial led by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has supported the development of next-generation atomic clock technology intended to strengthen the UK’s future military navigation and timing resilience.
Dstl said the work is aimed at improving Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) capabilities, which are currently heavily reliant on satellite systems such as GPS. The laboratory warned that satellite-based services can be denied or disrupted, potentially affecting operations across multiple environments.
Matthew Aldous, formerly Dstl’s theme lead for Quantum Sensing, said the next generation of atomic clocks would provide “new capabilities, better performance and improved resilience”.
“Timing plays a massive role in society, such as navigation for emergency services to banks dispensing cash from machines,” he said.
“We are building the next generation of atomic clocks which will provide new capabilities, better performance and improved resilience.”
Dstl explained that atomic clocks operate by using waves of light to energise atoms in a way that produces an extremely consistent frequency, allowing them to measure time with far greater accuracy than traditional systems.
The trial enabled manufacturers to test both individual components and complete devices over extended periods of unattended operation, providing what Dstl described as a more realistic deployment environment than standard laboratory testing.
The Royal Navy said the work has particular relevance for underwater navigation. Commander Matt Steele, Future Technology Officer for the Royal Navy’s Office of the Chief Technical Officer, said precise and persistent navigation is critical for both crewed submarines and uncrewed platforms.
“Having a navigation system that is precise, accurate and persistent to provide safe navigation underwater, whether for a crewed submarine or uncrewed vessel is critical for the Royal Navy,” he said.
He added that the experience gained from the trial has strengthened the UK’s position in the development of emerging navigation technologies.
Dstl also said the work could create commercial opportunities for UK industry. One of the participants, Far Field Exploits, a small enterprise founded by former military personnel, said the trial helped provide access to specialist test equipment and expertise.
Director Simon Merrett said: “We make a wireless time and frequency transfer system for atomic clocks. We didn’t have the test and measurement expertise in house or the specialist equipment. Dstl provided both of those which was a great collaboration.”
Dstl said a further trial is planned for 2027, expanding beyond atomic clocks and focusing on specific military challenges. The laboratory stated that its goal is for the UK to have deployed quantum navigation systems, including atomic clocks, on an aircraft by 2030.
