Dstl, the Ministry of Defence's science and technology agency at Porton Down, funds and tests quantum technologies for the armed forces, with navigation and timing that does not depend on GPS as a priority. A trial it reported in February 2026 ran atomic clock components and complete devices unattended for long periods, helping manufacturers such as Far Field Exploits meet military robustness standards. A broader trial is planned for 2027, aiming at quantum navigation systems on an aircraft by 2030. Dstl was a partner in the 2019 to 2024 national hubs for quantum computing and for sensors and timing.
Founded in 2001, Dstl is a research organisation in Porton Down focused on quantum sensing and computing. It appears as a partner in NQTP, QCS and UK Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Timing.