Could British soldiers one day navigate the battlefield without satellite support? Team Elaris is working on a concept to explore that possibility.
Under a 6-million pound ($8.1-million) contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), the QinetiQ-led consortium will develop a deployable concept for an enhanced long-range navigation system (eLoran).
eLoran is envisioned to complement conventional GPS systems, acting as a resilient position, navigation, and timing (PNT) alternative in environments where satellite signals are denied or degraded.
The work will be carried out under the two-year Urgent Compass program, with results feeding into future demonstration, production, and deployment efforts.
The program also touches on QinetiQ’s ongoing engagements with the UK MoD for a robust global navigation system, as part of efforts to strengthen navigation resilience for the British Armed Forces.
Urgent Compass aims to mature eLoran into a rapidly deployable capability for contested environments worldwide.
Combating Spoofed Navigation Signals
The UK, alongside allied forces, relies on PNT systems to support military operations. These systems typically depend on GPS, which can be jammed or spoofed in contested environments.
If left undetected, spoofed signals can misdirect ground units or lead to incorrect targeting data, potentially disrupting mission outcomes.
The eLoran concept is intended to address this vulnerability, providing a navigation system that remains functional in electronic warfare conditions.
“In this new era of threat we are in constant confrontation with adversaries seeking to interfere with our military networks, which are essential to how a military operates in modern warfare,” said Luke Pollard, UK Defence Readiness and Industry Minister.
“This investment will boost our Armed Forces’ resilience on the battlefield by developing technology to protect them, ensuring that they can continue vital operations protecting UK citizens and allies around the world.”
