Drone Makers Race to Build Navigation That Survives Warzone Jamming
Drone makers are in a scramble to develop navigation systems robust enough to withstand jamming tactics used in warzones. Three notable companies showcased their solutions at the Farnborough International Airshow: Q-CTRL, ASIO, and ANELLO Photonics.
Quantum, Vision, and Laser Gyro Technologies
-
Q-CTRL employs quantum gravity and magnetic sensing to ensure precise navigation in GPS-denied areas. According to Charlie Burnard, their global head of government engagement, "The technology is not a replacement for GPS, but a reliable backup for environments where even other navigation methods fail."
-
ASIO utilizes onboard cameras and image processing to navigate, while ANELLO Photonics has developed a compact laser gyro with no moving parts, measuring just the size of a matchbook.
Combating GPS Spoofing and Jamming
The demand for these alternative navigation systems arose from the Russian-Ukrainian war, where GPS jamming is prevalent. This has led to the disruption of drone operations, including US Excalibur artillery shells that initially relied on GPS guidance but became ineffective due to jamming.
Innovative Solutions from Europe
Ukraine’s crisis has accelerated research and development in European tech circles. Companies like Sine have built satellite-free navigation systems using time-of-flight methods, while the UK recently achieved the world’s first quantum navigation flights.
The focus now is on creating navigation that endures throughout a drone’s entire mission, especially when flying long distances through contested electromagnetic environments. The goal is to ensure accuracy and precision, even in the face of jamming tactics, as these systems are crucial for critical missions like Ukraine’s deep-strike drone campaign targeting Russian oil refineries.