Amid Starlink flare-up, Indian Navy Vice Chief says quantum positioning work is on

Simply put, Quantum Positioning Systems (QPS) is a global positioning system that does not rely on satellites. What it relies upon are atoms that are supercooled to about minus 273 degrees centigrade so that they become super sensitive to the slightest movements.

On a warship, such a device can provide pinpoint coordinates of its location. It also means an application that can detect ships and radars invisible to the normal radar.

That makes a world without Starlink and GPS eminently possible. In military terms, it means a GPS on a ship is entirely its own. It means there can be no jamming or spoofing.

With widespread reports of Elon Musk’s Starlink and the GPS systems being called out, especially in the war theaters of Ukraine and Iran, with allegations of ‘backdoor’ capabilities that can render military platforms ‘ineffective’ at whim, the Indian Navy has announced that it is already working on Quantum Positioning Systems (QPS).

The assertion is significant in the backdrop of an ongoing ‘atmanirbharta’ effort in India, which refers to the plan to make indigenous military systems independent of foreign control at any given point of time.

Addressing a press meet to announce the dates for the fifth edition of the annual Svalamban event that will be held on October 26 and 27 at the New Delhi Manekshaw Centre, the Vice Chief of the Indian Navy, Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, said “quantum technology is a field which will be unfolding very soon in the future and we are very cognizant of this.”

“We have defined our requirements in three fields, which are quantum positioning, quantum detection and quantum communications. If I talk about quantum positioning systems, we are looking to operate in a GPS-denied environment where we are able to provide position and fixing ourselves for a large period of time, which I would not like to specify here,” Kochhar added.

Another significant takeaway from Admiral Kochhar’s interaction was the update on directed energy weapons or high-powered microwaves that can take down unmanned aerial systems, including drones, which are fast becoming a decisive factor in modern-day warfare.

“India’s navy is exploring new ways to power future warships so they can carry laser and microwave weapons capable of taking down swarms of cheap drones,” the Vice Chief said.

Basically, a high-power laser source to take out a low-cost target, DEWS today assume a very significant role and importance because of the threat from small and multiple drones.

“What has happened in the recent past is mass and low cost, almost 1,600 drones are being launched at a time. A small drone costing 35,000-50,000 dollars if it has to be taken out by a missile costing 2 to 3 million dollars, it is definitely not worth it. Therefore, directed energy weapons play a very, very crucial and important role.”