Secret lab developing UK's first quantum clock: defense ministry

Britain is developing its first quantum clock, aiming to enhance military intelligence and reconnaissance while reducing reliance on vulnerable GPS systems, the Ministry of Defense said Thursday.

The clock, designed by the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory, is so precise it will lose less than one second over billions of years by measuring energy fluctuations within atoms.

“This groundbreaking technology could strengthen operational capability, drive industry progress, and support high-skilled jobs,” said Maria Eagle, minister for defense procurement.

Quantum clocks use the principles of quantum mechanics, the study of matter and energy at atomic scales, to achieve unprecedented accuracy. They are critical for applications like satellite navigation, mobile phones, and digital TV.

The ministry said the device is expected to be operational within five years. Though not a world first, it is the first such device built in the UK.

The announcement follows global investments in quantum research, with the U.S. and China leading the race. Private and public funding for quantum technologies exceeded $20 billion globally over the past five years, according to expert Olivier Ezratty.

The U.S. has imposed tight export restrictions on quantum technology, highlighting its strategic importance.

Future research in the UK will focus on miniaturizing the clock, enabling mass production and integration into military vehicles and aircraft, the ministry said.

Beyond defense, the clock’s precision could open new frontiers in research and technology, positioning the UK as a leader in the quantum field.