Quantum navigation set to replace GPS as Q-CTRL, US Department of War, and Saab achieve separate successful trials within weeks

GPS jamming is getting worse — three new navigation alternatives are coming

by · TechRadar

News By Efosa Udinmwen Published 9 September 2026 2 min read

(Image credit: Piro)

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  • MagNav uses Earth’s magnetic field to guide aircraft without GPS signals
  • Q-CTRL uses quantum gravimetry to navigate ships without satellite signals
  • Saab uses quantum timing to keep radar networks synchronized without GPS

Global positioning systems (GPS) have long served as the invisible backbone guiding ships, aircraft, and military operations across the planet.

That reliance now faces a genuine challenge, as adversaries increasingly jam or spoof satellite signals to disrupt navigation entirely.

Three organizations on three continents have each tested working alternatives within the span of a few short weeks.

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A wave of independent breakthroughs

The combined progress of these teams suggests the technology is edging out of laboratories and into active field conditions.

The US Defense Innovation Unit, a Pentagon organization tasked with fielding emerging commercial technology for military use, confirmed a successful flight test of its magnetic navigation program, known as MagNav.

The route carried an Embraer 170 aircraft over the Pacific Ocean, running from Seattle's Puget Sound toward southern Alaska and back again.

After four hours and 23 minutes without satellite guidance, the system improved location accuracy by 89% compared to older backup navigation methods.

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