Signal
In August 2025, SandboxAQ and Airbus’s Acubed demonstrated MagNav, a quantum navigation device using Earth’s magnetic field and AI to guide aircraft. In over 150 flight-lab hours, MagNav achieved FAA-mandated accuracy, remaining within 2 nautical miles 100% of the time and within 550 metres about 64% of the time. Crucially, it is immune to GPS jamming or spoofing. The system operates onboard with analog processing, reducing latency and reliance on external signals.
Implications
This is the first absolute, GPS-free navigation breakthrough in decades. For defence, it provides a resilient fallback when satellite signals are denied. For civil aviation, it offers greater autonomy and safety under contested or degraded GPS conditions. Quantum-based PNT (positioning, navigation, timing) shifts navigation from a vulnerable service to a sovereign capability, strengthening resilience across air, space, and maritime domains.
Strategic Takeaway
Quantum navigation is flight-ready. Forces must integrate resilient PNT doctrine now.
Investor Implications
Investors should track quantum sensing firms moving from prototype to deployment. Defence primes integrating GPS-independent navigation will gain contracts as militaries harden against signal denial. Civil aviation suppliers may also see uptake as regulators incentivise resilience. Venture opportunities exist in companies bridging AI with quantum sensors, especially where dual-use applies to drones, UAS, and maritime systems. Early positioning in quantum navigation is a hedge against growing vulnerabilities in GPS-dependent infrastructure.
Upcoming Watchpoints
Unmanned Systems West 2025 (9–10 September 2025) San Diego, CA. A forum on autonomous systems, likely to feature quantum and AI‑enhanced navigation capabilities.
MSPO 2025 – 33rd International Defence Industry Exhibition (2–5 September 2025) Kielce, Poland. A major European defence expo, showcasing navigation and avionics.
C‑UAS & Integrated Protection Summit 2025 (3–4 September 2025) Huntsville, AL. A summit focused on resilient positioning amid signal denial, adjacent to PNT concerns
Source: sandboxaq.com
The signal is the high ground. Hold it.
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