UK, developed the first atomic clock for military use

In the UK, the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) has developed a quantum-based atomic clock for military operations. The development of this system is part of the effort led by the UK Ministry of Defence, which has committed £28 million to research and innovation. As the Minister for Defence and Industry, Maria Eagle, pointed out in London, experimentation with this emerging technology will enhance the operational capability of national armed forces, drive industrial progress, strengthen the science sector, and support highly skilled jobs. In the context of military operations, atomic clocks will reduce the UK Armed Forces’ reliance on navigation systems such as GPS, which are vulnerable to interference and jamming by adversaries. The use of these quantum clocks will also improve communication systems, ensuring a real-time, synchronised, and encrypted exchange of information. This implies a consequent strengthening of multi-domain operations. Research in quantum technologies will also make it possible to miniaturise quantum clocks so that they can be used on a massive scale as state-of-the-art equipment in all types of military vehicles. The watch’s creators are confident the technology will be ready for military use within five years.