Safran Federal Systems has been awarded a contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) under the Robust Quantum Sensor (RoQS) program, a key initiative supporting the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) drive to deliver assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) in contested and GPS-denied environments.
As part of this effort, Safran will develop quantum sensors designed to operate reliably under challenging conditions, maintaining accuracy and performance even when exposed to environmental disruptions. These systems are intended to enable dependable navigation across multiple domains, reducing reliance on GPS and strengthening operational readiness for U.S. and allied forces.
Safran Federal Systems has been awarded a DARPA RoQS contract to develop rugged quantum sensors that enable GPS-independent navigation across defense domains.
The award covers the first phase of the program, during which Safran will complete quantum sensor development and conduct flight tests aboard a military helicopter to demonstrate real-world performance in demanding conditions.
“This program marks a critical step forward in delivering operational quantum sensing capabilities to the warfighter,” said Dr. Robert Compton, Senior Technical Fellow. “Safran has a long legacy in inertial navigation, and RoQS represents the next evolution, which combines proven expertise with cutting-edge quantum technology to meet DoD modernization priorities.”
DARPA’s RoQS program emphasizes collaboration between sensor developers and platform integrators to accelerate the transition of quantum sensors from laboratory research to operational deployment. Safran’s participation will help shorten development timelines and deliver field-ready quantum sensing solutions capable of addressing emerging defense requirements.
The Safran Federal Systems team in Rochester, New York, will focus on ruggedization, prototyping, and early integration with Department of Defense platforms. Initial field demonstrations are planned during the first phase of the program.
About Safran Federal Systems
Safran Federal Systems, based in Rochester, New York, is a trusted U.S. Department of Defense mission partner specializing in Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT). The company delivers cross-cutting and cost-effective solutions that combine innovation in inertial navigation, simulation, NAVWAR, and open systems architectures. Its technologies enable rapid transition from laboratory research to fielded systems across air, land, sea, and space domains. Safran Federal Systems is part of the global Safran Group, a leader in aerospace, defense, and security technologies. For more information, please click here.
Source/Photo Credit: Safran Federal Systems
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