Leidos using quantum technology to thwart GPS jamming

Rhea-AI Summary

Leidos (LDOS) is developing an innovative magnetic navigation (MagNav) technology to counter GPS jamming vulnerabilities in military applications. The project, under a Defense Innovation Unit contract, leverages quantum sensing technology using nitrogen in diamonds to measure Earth's magnetic field variations. Led by Aaron Canciani, the technology utilizes quantum magnetometers developed by Frequency Electronics in collaboration with MIT Lincoln Lab. The quantum-based approach offers superior accuracy and stability compared to traditional magnetometers, as measurements are based on fundamental physics constants rather than relative measurements that can drift. This advancement could significantly enhance military navigation capabilities by providing a jam-proof alternative to GPS.

Positive

• Development of jam-proof navigation technology addresses critical military vulnerability
• Collaboration with Defense Innovation Unit indicates strong government partnership
• Potential for significant military contracts if technology proves successful
• Leverages existing quantum technology expertise from years of development

Negative

• Technology still in development phase with no guaranteed success
• Requires successful flight testing before implementation

Insights

Defense Technology Expert

Leidos' quantum-based MagNav technology offers critical GPS-jamming countermeasure for military, potentially opening significant defense contract opportunities.

Leidos' development of quantum-enabled magnetic navigation (MagNav) represents a significant tactical advancement in military positioning systems. GPS jamming vulnerability has long been a critical weakness in modern warfare - adversaries can relatively easily disrupt navigation capabilities of advanced weapons systems and troop movements. By measuring variations in Earth's magnetic field through quantum sensing, Leidos offers a jamming-resistant alternative.

The technology leverages nitrogen vacancy-diamond magnetometers, utilizing quantum properties to achieve exceptional measurement precision. Unlike conventional magnetometers that suffer from drift problems, this approach anchors measurements to fundamental physics constants, creating inherently stable reference points. The quantum aspect provides the extreme sensitivity needed to detect minute magnetic field variations necessary for precision navigation.

This Defense Innovation Unit contract positions Leidos strategically in the quantum sensing domain, with collaboration from Frequency Electronics and MIT Lincoln Lab adding significant technical credibility. The military implications are substantial - enabling navigation in contested environments where GPS is deliberately degraded. Should the planned flight testing prove successful, Leidos could secure follow-on production contracts for implementing this technology across various military platforms, particularly those operating in high-threat environments where GPS denial is expected. This represents both technological leadership and potential long-term revenue opportunities in the defense sector.

RESTON, Va., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Susceptibility to jamming is a significant military vulnerability of the Global Positioning System (GPS) signal. Through a Defense Innovation Unit contract, Leidos (NYSE: LDOS) is developing an alternative navigation technology that measures variations in the Earth's magnetic field and harnesses the quantum properties of nitrogen in diamonds.

"With magnetic navigation (MagNav) there's no signal to jam," said Aaron Canciani, manager of the Leidos Transition of Quantum Sensing (TQS) team and a former Air Force scientist who is a pioneer of the technology. "The one thing MagNav does need is a very sensitive magnetometer, which is where quantum comes in."

Quantum sensing uses microscopic particles that can simultaneously exist in multiple states to more accurately detect aspects of geophysical properties like magnetic fields. Leidos has been doing quantum work for years, applying it to a variety of cyber security and sensing applications.

"Quantum magnetometers have the potential to greatly increase position and attitude accuracies in magnetic navigation systems," Canciani said. "Nitrogen vacancy-diamond magnetometers use the crystal structure of a diamond to define a sensing axis in which quantum measurements of the complete vector field can be known to exquisite accuracies."

The sensor is being developed by Frequency Electronics, Inc. under subcontract to Leidos and in collaboration with MIT Lincoln Lab.

Compared to classic magnetometers, which tend to drift due to reliance on relative measurements, Canciani adds, "These quantum measurements are linked to the magnetic field through fundamental physics-based constants."

Ultimately, Leidos intends to fly a MagNav system with the new magnetometer. If successful, the technology has the potential to significantly advance navigation technology for military use.  

About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 48,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.  

Certain statements in this announcement constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not guarantees of future results or occurrences. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the "Risk Factors" set forth in Leidos' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Leidos does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements were made.

Contact:

Mackenzie Hicks (256) 964-4034 shawna.m.hicks@leidos.com

 

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SOURCE Leidos

FAQ

What is Leidos (LDOS) developing to counter GPS jamming?

Leidos is developing a magnetic navigation (MagNav) technology that uses quantum sensing and nitrogen in diamonds to measure Earth's magnetic field variations as an alternative to GPS.

How does Leidos' MagNav technology work?

The technology uses quantum magnetometers that measure variations in Earth's magnetic field through nitrogen vacancy-diamond sensors, providing precise vector field measurements based on fundamental physics constants.

Who are the key partners in Leidos' quantum navigation project?

The project involves the Defense Innovation Unit as the contractor, Frequency Electronics Inc. as the sensor developer, and MIT Lincoln Lab as a collaborator.

What are the advantages of Leidos' quantum-based navigation over traditional GPS?

Unlike GPS signals which can be jammed, MagNav has no signal to jam, and its quantum measurements are more stable than classic magnetometers as they're based on fundamental physics constants.

Who is leading Leidos' quantum navigation project?

Aaron Canciani, a former Air Force scientist and pioneer of the technology, leads the project as manager of the Leidos Transition of Quantum Sensing (TQS) team.