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Defence interest in quantum centres on navigation and timing that keep working when satellite signals are jammed or spoofed. In a 2024 trial run by the Ministry of Defence's Office of the Chief Technology Officer, a cold-atom quantum accelerometer built with the University of Birmingham and Dstl went to sea on the ship Hurst Point. In August 2026 the Royal Navy's Disruptive Capabilities and Technologies Office reported synchronising Saab Giraffe 1X radars with Aquark Technologies' AQlock quantum clocks aboard XV Patrick Blackett. The MoD is a partner in the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme, and Dstl is its main quantum research arm.
Ministry of Defence is a government body based in London. It is a partner in 1 UK project: NQTP. It funds QCNDS.
Sources: UK Royal Navy trials a new quantum navigation solution | Naval Technology · Royal Navy tests link quantum clock navigation and radar | Navy Leaders · About us | UK National Quantum Technologies Programme · Trial speeds up next generation of atomic clocks | GOV.UK
NQTP
The UK's national programme for quantum technologies, set up in 2014 as a partnership between government, academia and industry.
Role: Partner
Themes: Computing, Sensing, Imaging, Timing and navigation, Communications, Networks, Skills and training
QCNDS
A centre of excellence launched by AWE in November 2025 and led by the University of Strathclyde, applying quantum sensing and computing to nuclear science for national security.
Role: Funder
Themes: Computing, Sensing, Defence and security
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