The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Innovation Unit has launched the Farseer program to develop quantum sensors and portable atomic clocks for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The initiative could receive up to $200 million over the next year, according to a press release.

This program was initiated following President Donald Trump's signing of an executive order on June 22, 2026. The order aims to accelerate the commercialization of quantum computing, sensors, and networks, as well as update the U.S. national quantum strategy.

The department explained that the program addresses the limitations of classical sensors and synchronization systems, which often require trade-offs between sensitivity, size, weight, and power consumption. Quantum sensors and clocks are expected to reduce these constraints and enhance the resilience of intelligence and surveillance systems in the face of interference and electromagnetic countermeasures.

The program encompasses four areas:

  • Quantum magnetometers for detecting magnetic signals above 100 Hz;
  • Gravimeters, including absolute gravimeters and single-axis gradient meters for stationary, marine, and aviation platforms;
  • Portable atomic clocks for positioning, navigation, synchronization, secure communication, and sensor networks;
  • Component technologies, including chip lasers, micro-optics, photonic integrated circuits, cryogenics, and vapor cell technologies.

The department also mentioned Rydberg sensors—quantum sensors for electric fields. These are considered less mature but potentially applicable for intelligence tasks.

Both U.S. and foreign companies are eligible to participate. The minimum technology readiness level for solutions is 4. Prototypes must be ready for initial testing at a U.S. government site within three to nine months after contract award. The maximum project duration is 24 months.

Contracts will be awarded under other transaction agreements in accordance with Section 4022 of Title 10 of the U.S. Code, which allows for expedited prototyping. If the project is successfully completed, the agreement may transition to a production contract without a new competition.

Quantum sensors are one aspect of the quantum industry alongside computing, communications, and post-quantum cryptography. Unlike quantum computers, which are still largely in development, sensors are closer to practical application: they leverage quantum effects for ultra-precise measurements of magnetic, gravitational, and electric fields, as well as time.

For military applications, such systems are crucial due to modern platforms' reliance on global positioning systems, radio communication, and precise synchronization. In environments with electronic countermeasures, portable atomic clocks and quantum sensors can be used for navigation, communication, data integration from various sensors, and object detection in complex settings.

In July 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded contracts worth up to $200 million to companies such as Anthropic, Google, OpenAI, and xAI for the development of AI solutions in the security sector. The funding was expected to accelerate the integration of advanced technology capabilities into national security tools.

In June 2026, the Pentagon reported a 1775% increase in AI implementation. One of the integration cases involved preparing mandatory reports for Congress.