Advanced quantum-based navigation systems that cannot be jammed or spoofed by hostile actors have successfully flown for the first time in commercial flight trials.

Planes rely on satellite-based GPS (global positioning systems) for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT). GPS jamming occurs when a frequency transmitting device is used to block or interfere with radio communications that are stronger than the satellite-based GPS signals.

Just last month it was reported that since August 2023 thousands of flights to and from Europe had been affected by suspected Russian jamming of GPS systems.

While GPS jamming or spoofing GPS signals is relatively rare and does not directly impact an aircraft’s flight path, it has the potential to disrupt critical economic, defence and strategic activities.

As a result, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has provided £8m in funding to support the development of quantum-based navigation systems as part of its vision to make the UK a leading quantum-enabled...