The U.S. Department of Defense has initiated the Farseer program, allocating up to $200 million for the development of quantum sensors and atomic clocks.
The U.S. Department of Defense has announced the launch of the Farseer program, aimed at developing advanced quantum sensors and portable atomic clocks to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. This initiative may receive funding of up to $200 million over the next year.
Launched following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on June 22, 2026, the program is part of a broader effort to expedite the commercialization of quantum technologies, including sensors and computing, while updating the national quantum strategy.
The Defense Department noted that quantum sensors could overcome the limitations of traditional systems, which often involve compromises between sensitivity, size, weight, and power consumption. The expected advancements promise to improve the resilience of intelligence systems against interference and electromagnetic countermeasures.
The Farseer program focuses on four key areas:
- Quantum magnetometers for detecting magnetic signals above 100 Hz;
- Gravimeters, including both absolute gravimeters and single-axis gradient meters for various platforms;
- Portable atomic clocks for applications in positioning, navigation, synchronization, secure communication, and sensor networks;
- Component technologies such as chip lasers, micro-optics, photonic integrated circuits, cryogenics, and vapor cell technologies.
Additionally, Rydberg sensors, which measure electric fields, are included in the program despite being less mature.
Participation is open to both U.S. and foreign companies, with a minimum technology readiness level of 4 required for proposals. Prototypes must be ready for preliminary testing within three to nine months post-contract award, with a maximum project duration of 24 months.
Contracts will be awarded through other transaction agreements, facilitating expedited prototyping, and successful projects may transition into production contracts without further competition.
Quantum sensors represent a significant area within the quantum technology sector, which also encompasses computing, communications, and post-quantum cryptography. Unlike quantum computers, which are still largely experimental, quantum sensors are nearing practical deployment, utilizing quantum effects for highly accurate measurements of various physical fields and time.
These advancements are particularly vital for military operations, where reliance on global positioning systems and precise synchronization is critical. In scenarios with electronic countermeasures, quantum sensors and portable atomic clocks can enhance navigation, communication, and data integration from diverse sensors in complex environments.
