Quantum sensing has moved from laboratory curiosity to a frontline defence against one of the most pervasive threats to modern navigation: the deliberate denial of GPS signals. On 9 October 2025, Q‑CTRL, the Australian‑based software‑ruggedisation specialist, announced that its Ironstone Opal system had been named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025. The accolade follows a series of field trials that proved the device could keep aircraft and ships on course when GPS was jammed or spoofed, a capability that has already drawn the attention of major defence contractors and commercial airlines alike.
How Ironstone Opal Outperformed GPS by 111 Times
In a series of airborne trials, Ironstone Opal achieved GPS‑like positioning accuracy of just 4 metres over flights that stretched 700 kilometres. This performance eclipsed the best conventional GPS alternative by a factor of 111. The comparison was made against the most advanced non‑satellite navigation systems currently available, including inertial navigation units and terrestrial radio‑based fixes, which typically settle for accuracies in the range of 400,500 metres under similar conditions. Ironstone Opal’s quantum sensors, calibrated and stabilised by Q‑CTRL’s proprietary software‑ruggedisation, could maintain sub‑centimetre precision even during highly dynamic manoeuvres such as rapid turns or sudden altitude changes. The result is a navigation solution that offers the reliability of a satellite system without its vulnerability to jamming, spoofing or denial attacks.
Quantum Navigation That Defied 144 Hours of Maritime Trials
The maritime validation of Ironstone Opal unfolded aboard the Australian Navy’s MV Sycamore. For more than 144 consecutive hours, the vessel operated solely on gravimetric navigation powered by the quantum sensors. Gravimetric navigation relies on detecting minute variations in Earth’s gravitational field, which act as natural “landmarks.” Ironstone Opal’s sensors sense these variations with unprecedented sensitivity, then cross‑reference the data against high‑resolution geophysical maps to deduce the vessel’s precise location. The trial demonstrated that the system could sustain accurate navigation across a full day of continuous operation, a feat that traditional inertial systems struggle to match without frequent external fixes. The endurance of the quantum platform under real‑world sea conditions, saline environments, motion, and electromagnetic noise, underscores its readiness for deployment on both crewed and unmanned maritime assets.
Why Northrop Grumman Backs Q-CTRL’s GPS Denial Solution
Northrop Grumman’s endorsement signals a growing recognition among the defence establishment of quantum‑based navigation as a strategic necessity. Jonathan Green, Chief Technology Officer of Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, said:
“In today’s sophisticated threat environment , marked by jamming, GPS denial, and spoofing , quantum sensing offers a strategic advantage delivering resilient and precise capabilities where traditional systems fall short,” , Jonathan Green, Chief Technology Officer, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems
Northrop Grumman’s support is reinforced by recent government contracts. DARPA awarded Q‑CTRL two contracts totaling $24.4 million to develop quantum sensors for defence platforms, while the Department of Defence’s Innovation Unit partnered with Lockheed Martin and Q‑CTRL to create a quantum‑enabled inertial navigation system. These agreements highlight a broader shift toward integrating quantum technology into national security infrastructure, as adversaries increasingly exploit the weaknesses of classical navigation systems.
TIME’s 2025 Recognition of a Quantum Navigation Breakthrough
TIME’s selection of Ironstone Opal reflects the system’s originality, efficacy, ambition and impact. The magazine evaluates 300 inventions each year, looking for breakthroughs that change the world or make life easier and more sustainable. Ironstone Opal’s ability to deliver GPS‑level accuracy in the absence of satellite signals, combined with its field‑ready robustness, positions it as a transformative technology for both commercial aviation and defence.
Michael Biercuk, CEO and founder of Q‑CTRL, welcomed the recognition:
“We are thrilled to be recognized by TIME for bringing forth one of the best inventions of 2025,” , Michael Biercuk, CEO and Founder of Q‑CTRL
The accolade comes at a time when the aerospace industry is grappling with the growing threat of GPS denial. Over 1,000 commercial flights per day are already affected by jamming, and companies such as Airbus are actively exploring quantum‑assured navigation as a solution. By providing a resilient backup that can operate independently of satellites, Ironstone Opal could reduce the risk of costly flight diversions, improve maritime safety, and enhance the survivability of armed forces in contested environments.
Looking Ahead
The convergence of quantum physics and practical software engineering embodied in Ironstone Opal represents a pivotal step toward a new generation of navigation systems. As governments and industry leaders invest billions in quantum research, the technology that once existed only in theoretical models is now poised to redefine how aircraft and ships find their way. The next decade will see whether quantum navigation moves from prototype to production, but the early trials suggest it is already steering the course of tomorrow’s security and commerce.
Source: https://q-ctrl.com/
