Pentagon launches “Farseer” quantum sensing initiative

An IBM quantum computing mixing chamber in the company's Thomas J Watson Research Center. (IBM)

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has launched a new programme, designed to integrate advanced quantum computing technologies to enhance the assured precision, timing and navigation (A-PNT) elements of the department's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems.

The Farseer programme launched by the Pentagon's Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) in July is a “multi-phase [DoD] initiative designed to rapidly transition mature quantum sensor and clock technologies” into the department's suite of ISR capabilities , according to a DIU industry notice.

“The invisible backbone of modern ISR is absolute precision timing and synchronization, which enables seamless sensor fusion, secure communications, and coordinated multi-domain effects”, DIU officials wrote in the notice. “However, legacy sensors and timing systems often constrain mission profiles due to limited sensitivity or excessive size, weight, and power” which has led to A-PNT elements of current ISR systems to be severely restricted “in their operational reach and potential in contested environments”, it added.

The focus of the Farseer programme is to leverage quantum-based sensor technologies as a way to overcome traditional size, weight and power (SWaP) restrictions without diminishing ISR programme requirements.

“Quantum sensors and clocks are not beholden to the same fundamental limitations of classical systems, providing a path to simultaneously achieving both high sensitivity and low SWaP,” the solicitation stated. As a result, quantum technology integration into current and future ISR platform development “has the potential to unlock critical next-generation ISR capabilities essential for tactical intelligence systems, multi-domain collection & electronic protection, precision targeting, and surface air-and-missile defense,” it added.