Australia has unveiled a collaborative research project focusing on an optical ground-to-satellite quantum link. The Department of Defence said the Australian Army would fund the technology demonstration.
Tanya Monro, head of the Defence Science and Technology Group, said the collaboration, which involves DSTG, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, and two universities, contributes to Australia’s science and technology ecosystem. She added that it is also a partnership in innovation for a “clear pathway” from concept to capability demonstration.
“Quantum technology presents unique opportunities for defense, and we continue to leverage these emerging disruptive technologies to provide a capability edge for our soldiers, sailors and aircrew,” Monro said.
Synchronized Battlefield Operations
Canberra’s announcement said the DSTG-led project seeks to boost the Australian Defence Force’s operational capability when GPS is compromised in contested environments. It added that defense assets deployed on a battlefield can synchronize timing better and more precisely through a direct ground-to-satellite connection.
In another move, DSTG and the U.K.’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory have agreed to synthesize their capabilities in modular technology to jointly develop advanced subsystems for weapons at reduced costs.
Creating quantum capabilities is one of the science and technology priorities under Australia’s National Defence Strategy.