The Hon Pat Conroy MP
Minister for Defence Industry
Minister for Pacific Island Affairs

Four Australian‑developed quantum technology clocks have been successfully trialled in the United States, as part of the Albanese Government’s $2.7 million investment towards these AUKUS Pillar Two capabilities.

Held over a six-week period in Washington D.C., the trials saw Adelaide‑based QuantX Labs and the University of Adelaide each contribute two quantum clocks, which were tested by AUKUS partners under various environmental conditions to evaluate their performance and potential for defence applications, including communication and navigation systems.

Quantum clocks are used to assure the synchronisation of communications networks, detect GPS spoofing and jamming, and provide reliable position, navigation and timing in contested environments.

Integrating this technology into AUKUS partners’ militaries will enhance the Australian Defence Force’s ability to operate in environments where GPS navigation is unreliable or unavailable.

These world‑leading clocks have been developed in Adelaide through $2.7 million in Australian Government contracts, in conjunction with the Defence Science and Technology Group, and sovereign industry and academic partners. This is part of the Albanese Government’s increased investment in advanced capabilities, including up to $3.8 billion over the next decade in the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator.

The outcomes of the quantum clock trial will be shared among AUKUS partners to inform analysis of how quantum clocks may be used in future defence operations.

Quantum technology will play a vital role in the future of the Australian Defence Force, as identified in the 2024 National Defence Strategy and the Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“Australian industry has long been at the forefront of quantum technology.

“This collaboration harnesses expertise and experience from AUKUS partners and leverages emerging technologies to deliver the capabilities our militaries need.

“Through AUKUS Pillar II, we are achieving capability development faster than any one of our nations could achieve alone.”