Defense Innovation Archives - Americans for a Stronger Navy

March 15, 2025March 15, 2025

Quantum Navigation: Lockheed Martin’s QuINS and the Future of U.S. Naval Operations

Introduction

The U.S. military is on the verge of a breakthrough in navigation technology, one that could redefine how forces operate in GPS-denied environments. Lockheed Martin, in collaboration with the Department of Defense’s Innovation Unit (DIU), is developing the Quantum Inertial Navigation System (QuINS)—a system that could eliminate reliance on GPS and provide unparalleled accuracy for military operations.

For centuries, ocean navigation has evolved through a series of technological breakthroughs that have shaped maritime dominance. In ancient times, sailors relied on celestial navigation, using the stars, sun, and moon to determine their position. The invention of the magnetic compass in the 12th century revolutionized seafaring, allowing ships to travel more confidently across open waters. By the 18th century, the development of the marine chronometer enabled precise longitude calculations, reducing the risk of navigational errors. The 20th century brought radio navigation and inertial navigation systems (INS), allowing submarines and warships to navigate underwater without visual cues. The arrival of GPS in the late 20th century ushered in an era of pinpoint accuracy, integrating satellite technology into global commerce and defense. Now, with adversaries actively working to jam or spoof GPS, navigation is once again at a crossroads. The emergence of quantum navigation systems (QuINS) represents the next leap—providing resilient, GPS-independent positioning to ensure the Navy remains effective even in contested environments. This latest advancement is not just a technological shift; it is part of a centuries-long progression in mastering the seas.

Quantum Navigation: Lockheed Martin’s QuINS and the Future of U.S. Naval Operations

For the U.S. Navy, this innovation has the potential to enhance fleet operations, submarine navigation, and autonomous system deployment, ensuring our naval forces remain dominant even when adversaries attempt to disrupt traditional navigation systems.

What is QuINS?

Unlike conventional navigation systems that rely on GPS satellites, QuINS uses quantum sensing technology to determine a platform’s position, velocity, and orientation purely through internal measurements. This represents a paradigm shift in navigation, ensuring that even in GPS-jammed or denied environments, ships, submarines, and aircraft can accurately determine their location.

Quantum sensors operate by leveraging the fundamental properties of atoms to detect motion with extreme precision. By measuring changes in an object’s motion through quantum mechanics, these systems can maintain accurate positioning without needing an external reference like a satellite signal.

Dr. Valerie Browning, Vice President of Research & Technology at Lockheed Martin, emphasized that the company’s goal is to take quantum navigation from the laboratory to real-world applications, ensuring that national security needs are met before adversaries gain an upper hand.

Why Americans Should Care

Most Americans take GPS for granted—it’s in our cars, phones, and even financial transactions. But what happens when that system is compromised? Adversaries like China and Russia are developing ways to jam or spoof GPS signals, which could have devastating consequences for both military and civilian infrastructure.

Quantum navigation offers a solution that could protect not just the military, but also essential industries like transportation, logistics, and emergency services. A stronger U.S. Navy with independent navigation capabilities means a more secure supply chain, fewer vulnerabilities in cyber warfare, and a nation less reliant on easily targeted satellites.

Why This Matters to the U.S. Navy

The Navy operates in some of the most complex and contested environments in the world. From the South China Sea to the Arctic, ensuring reliable navigation is crucial. Here’s how QuINS could reshape naval operations.

Resilient Submarine and Fleet Navigation

Silent Service Advantage: U.S. Navy submarines operate without GPS while submerged, relying on traditional inertial navigation systems (INS). Quantum INS could significantly improve accuracy over long distances, reducing position drift and enhancing mission effectiveness.
Surface Fleet Operations: GPS jamming has become a strategic threat. China and Russia have demonstrated their ability to spoof or jam satellite signals, making reliable navigation alternatives essential for carrier strike groups, destroyers, and logistical vessels.

Empowering Autonomous and Uncrewed Systems

The Navy is expanding its fleet of uncrewed surface and underwater vehicles (USVs/UUVs) to operate in contested waters.
Without the need for GPS, these assets could navigate undetected, perform reconnaissance missions, and even execute long-range operations with minimal risk of signal interference.
Future AI-driven maritime warfare could integrate quantum navigation to create autonomous fleets that operate independently of satellite-based positioning systems.

Strengthening Cyber Resilience and Electronic Warfare

Adversaries are developing anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons and cyber tools to disrupt GPS-reliant military forces.
With QuINS, U.S. naval forces will have a self-contained, tamper-proof navigation system, significantly reducing vulnerabilities in a cyber-contested environment.

Implications for Our Allies

The U.S. is not the only nation facing threats to navigation systems. Allies operating in the Indo-Pacific, Arctic, and Middle East also rely on GPS for operations. If QuINS proves successful, it could be integrated into joint naval operations, ensuring that allied fleets can maintain cohesive strategies without fearing GPS disruptions.

Partners in AUKUS (Australia, U.K., and U.S.) could benefit significantly from this technology, particularly as Australia seeks to modernize its naval fleet with nuclear-powered submarines under the agreement.

Final Thoughts: A Transformational Shift in Naval Warfare

Quantum navigation has long been viewed as a theoretical future capability, but Lockheed Martin’s QuINS project is bringing that future closer to reality. If successful, this technology will mark a historic leap in military navigation, much like the transition from celestial navigation to GPS decades ago.

For the U.S. Navy, investing in quantum sensing, AI, and autonomous warfare is not just about staying ahead—it’s about ensuring dominance in an era where adversaries are actively working to erode America’s technological and strategic advantages.

At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we recognize the importance of peace through strength. Advancements like QuINS ensure that our sailors and warfighters have the best tools available, not just for today’s conflicts, but for the unpredictable battles of tomorrow.

What Do You Think?

Should the Navy move faster in adopting quantum navigation to replace GPS-dependent systems? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the discussion at StrongerNavy.org.

March 12, 2025March 12, 2025

America’s Navy Needs a Course Correction—The Pentagon’s ‘D’ Grade is a National Security Failure

The latest National Security Innovation Base Summit gave the Pentagon a D grade for modernization. A D—not just in shipbuilding, but across the board in weapons innovation, procurement, and efficiency. This isn’t just a bureaucratic failure; it’s a direct threat to America’s national security.

My friend and shipmate from the ‘70s, Captain David Lennon, USNR (Retired), sent me this Fox News article, saying, “This echoes what you and I have been saying.” He’s right. We’ve been warning for years that America’s defense strategy is moving too slowly to keep up with global threats

The Pentagon’s Outdated Approach to Modern Warfare

According to House Armed Services Committee Vice Chair Rob Wittman, the Pentagon operates like the Ford Motor Company in the 1950s—slow, bureaucratic, and resistant to change.

“The Pentagon is the Ford Motor Company of the 1950s. I mean, the way they operate—slow, stoic. ‘Let’s spend years to write a requirement, then let’s spend years to go to a program or record, let’s spend years to acquire.’ By the time we acquire something, guess what? The threat’s way ahead of us.” – Rep. Wittman

That’s the fundamental problem—our enemies aren’t waiting for us to figure things out. China is churning out warships at breakneck speed, modernizing its naval capabilities, and outpacing us in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, the U.S. is stuck in a procurement cycle that takes decades.

Captain Lennon put it bluntly:

“America once built a navy that could fight and win a world war. Today, we struggle to maintain 295 deployable ships while our adversaries launch vessels at breakneck speed. This is not just a shipbuilding problem—it’s a national security crisis.”

Shipbuilding: A Slow-Motion Disaster

The U.S. Navy currently has 295 deployable ships. The plan calls for 390 by 2054, but at this rate, we won’t even keep up with ship retirements.

The Maritime Security Program, which maintains a fleet of privately owned, military-useful ships, is down to just 60 vessels. If a major conflict broke out in the Pacific tomorrow, we wouldn’t have the sealift capability to respond effectively.

And while China expands its navy at an alarming rate, the U.S. struggles with:

- Delayed procurement cycles that take years just to approve new ships.

- Budget cuts and shifting priorities that prevent consistent progress.

- Shipyard bottlenecks due to a weakened industrial base.

Cyber Warfare: The Unseen Battlefield

Another major concern raised in the Fox News report is China’s superiority in cybersecurity. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) stated:

“China specifically is better at cybersecurity than we are. It only takes one or two incursions that we don’t see coming or that we aren’t responsive to, to make an enormous difference here.”

Captain Lennon underscored this growing threat:

“China and Russia don’t just challenge us at sea—they challenge us in cyberspace, in supply chains, and in economic warfare. The Navy can’t just be stronger; it has to be smarter, faster, and ready for an entirely new battlespace.”

The Pentagon’s inability to keep pace in cybersecurity makes America vulnerable. China is hacking into critical infrastructure, stealing defense blueprints, and gaining access to classified information. The next war may not begin with missiles—it may start with an attack on our power grid, financial systems, or military networks.

A White House Office of Shipbuilding? What Comes Next?

The Fox News report also revealed that President Trump is taking a direct interest in shipbuilding. His nominee for Navy Secretary, John Phelan, stated that Trump regularly texts him late at night, asking about the state of the fleet.

Trump announced the creation of a White House Office of Shipbuilding, promising to revitalize ship production. While this sounds promising, the real test will be whether it cuts through the bureaucracy and actually delivers results.

Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) described how slow innovation is killing our ability to compete:

“We’re operating off of an innovation cycle right now that, you know, used to be a decade, and it used to be five years. Then it used to be three years, and now it’s a year or less innovation cycle. In Ukraine, they’re actually operating off of week-long innovation cycles.”

Where Do We Go From Here?

This isn’t just a military problem—it’s an economic and strategic problem that affects every American. If we fail to modernize, we risk losing control of key shipping lanes, economic stability, and military deterrence.

Captain Lennon and I both agree:

“Our nation faces an inflection point. Will we modernize our Navy to meet the challenges ahead, or will we let slow processes and outdated thinking leave us vulnerable? The choice is ours—but the clock is ticking.”

This is Why I’m Launching Our Educational Series

This conversation is exactly why I’m launching the China, Russia, and America: Navigating Global Rivalries and Naval Challenges series.

This 23-episode educational initiative will break down how history, economics, and military strategy shape today’s global threats—and why America must rally behind its Navy.

- We’ll dive deeper into shipbuilding, looking at past successes and today’s failures.

- We’ll unpack cybersecurity threats, explaining why China and Russia view cyber warfare as a battlefield as real as the Pacific or the South China Sea.

- We’ll break down public policy, exposing how red tape and slow procurement cripple our defense efforts.

This series isn’t just about the Navy—it’s about why the Navy matters to you.

We need Americans engaged in this conversation because without public support, we won’t get the changes we need.

Captain Lennon and I will continue speaking out, but we need more voices in this fight.

Join Us. Stay Informed. Take Action.

Follow along at StrongerNavy.org as we roll out this critical series. It’s time to wake up America—before it’s too late.

December 15, 2024December 15, 2024

Behind the Scenes of Defense Planning: The F-35C and the Complexity of Modern Military Strategy

Welcome Back to Our Series on the F-35: A Closer Look at Defense Planning

In the first article of this series, we explored the intense debate surrounding the F-35 program, diving into its groundbreaking capabilities, its criticisms, and its significance for the U.S. Navy. If you missed it, we encourage you to catch up by clicking here—it sets the stage for the deeper dive we’re taking today.

In this second installment, we’re peeling back the layers of what goes into planning and sustaining a program as complex as the F-35. From long-term strategic considerations to the technological, geopolitical, and logistical hurdles faced by planners and engineers, this article offers a behind-the-scenes look at the monumental efforts required to develop and maintain advanced military technology.

Here’s what you’ll find inside:

Strategic Planning: How the Navy balances current operational needs with future threats.
Technological Challenges: The complexities of integrating cutting-edge features into a carrier-based fighter.
Economic and Geopolitical Factors: The program’s impact on global alliances, jobs, and military readiness.
Transparency and Accountability: Why oversight and public engagement are critical to sustaining programs like the F-35.

This journey isn’t just about understanding the aircraft—it’s about appreciating the intricate process that ensures the U.S. Navy remains a global leader. So, let’s dive into the complexities of defense planning and explore why it’s so important for all Americans to stay informed and engaged.

Behind the Scenes of Defense Planning

Strategic Long-Term Planning

Planning for advanced defense technologies like the F-35C involves decades of conceptualization, funding, and rigorous testing. For the U.S. Navy, the decision to adopt the F-35C reflects a commitment to maintaining carrier-based air superiority in a rapidly evolving security environment. Designed specifically for aircraft carrier operations, the F-35C integrates seamlessly into the Navy’s long-term strategy, ensuring that its forces remain capable of operating in contested environments.

The Navy’s investment in the F-35C stems from a broader strategic need to modernize its air fleet while phasing out aging fourth-generation aircraft. This decision underscores the complexity of defense planning, which requires balancing current operational needs with anticipated future threats. As adversaries like China and Russia rapidly develop their military capabilities, platforms like the F-35C are essential to preserving the U.S.’s global dominance.

Technological Integration Challenges

The F-35C showcases the challenges of integrating cutting-edge technology into military operations. Unlike its Air Force and Marine counterparts, the Navy’s F-35 variant required extensive modifications to meet the unique demands of carrier-based operations. These include larger wings, foldable wingtips, and a sturdier undercarriage to withstand the harsh conditions of catapult launches and arrested landings. Additionally, the F-35C incorporates enhanced resistance to saltwater corrosion, a necessity for sustained operations at sea.

Despite its technological advancements, the F-35C program has faced significant hurdles, including cost overruns and delays. For example, the Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3) upgrade, intended to enhance the aircraft’s computing power, has been a source of frustration for the Navy. These challenges illustrate the iterative nature of developing and refining advanced military systems.

Geopolitical Considerations

The F-35C’s capabilities extend beyond its technical specifications. As a multi-role platform, it serves as a powerful deterrent to adversaries. The Navy’s reliance on the F-35C signals to nations like China that the U.S. is committed to maintaining its edge in contested regions, such as the South China Sea. The aircraft’s stealth, speed, and ability to conduct precision strikes make it an invaluable tool in both conventional and high-tech warfare scenarios.

Geopolitically, the F-35 program also strengthens alliances. With several allied nations incorporating F-35 variants into their air forces, interoperability becomes a strategic advantage. This network of F-35 operators ensures coordinated responses to shared threats, reinforcing collective security.

Economic and Logistical Complexities

The F-35 program’s economic impact is vast, supporting over 250,000 jobs in the United States alone. For the Navy, the decision to standardize on the F-35C reduces logistical burdens by consolidating multiple roles—air superiority, strike missions, ISR, and electronic warfare—into a single platform. However, this consolidation comes with risks, including higher upfront costs and the potential for system-wide vulnerabilities if issues arise.

Lockheed Martin, the primary contractor, has faced scrutiny over the program’s ballooning costs, now estimated at over $1 trillion for the lifecycle of the aircraft. Yet, these investments are seen as critical to maintaining the U.S.’s technological edge. The challenges of balancing cost-efficiency with operational effectiveness are central to the debate surrounding the F-35C.

Accountability and Oversight

Programs like the F-35 require robust oversight to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent effectively. The Navy’s commitment to transparency in addressing technical challenges and cost overruns reflects its dedication to accountability. Congressional involvement and independent audits play a crucial role in maintaining checks and balances.

Critics, including prominent figures like Elon Musk, have questioned the value of manned fighter jets in the age of drones and artificial intelligence. While such critiques highlight valid concerns, they often overlook the nuanced planning and strategic imperatives that shape programs like the F-35C.

Conclusion

The F-35C is more than just an aircraft—it is a testament to the complexity and ambition of modern defense planning. From its advanced technological features to its role in deterring adversaries and strengthening alliances, the F-35C embodies the challenges and opportunities of 21st-century warfare. By peeling back the layers of this program, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate decisions that ensure the U.S. Navy remains a global leader. As Americans, it is vital to stay informed and engaged in these conversations, recognizing the stakes involved in shaping the future of our national defense.

Enhancing Insights with Industry Expertise

Adding context to this discussion, Booz Allen Hamilton’s contributions to the F-35 program highlight the depth of planning involved. By delivering innovative cost-reduction strategies and boosting readiness, Booz Allen’s work underscores the collaborative efforts required to optimize complex defense systems. Their introduction of advanced analytics tools like the Opus lifecycle management suite has driven $5 billion in cost savings, exemplifying how public-private partnerships can refine the program’s efficiency without compromising mission capability.

For example, Booz Allen played a pivotal role in implementing new external coatings and canopy improvements to reduce sustainment costs. These enhancements, coupled with advanced maintenance protocols, are projected to save billions over the program’s lifecycle while boosting readiness.

The integration of technical advancements, such as the F-35’s new external coatings and streamlined maintenance protocols, further demonstrates the ongoing evolution of the platform. These efforts ensure the F-35 remains a cornerstone of U.S. military airpower while addressing concerns about affordability and sustainability.

Public Engagement and Advocacy

At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we believe an informed public is essential to ensuring a strong, transparent, and cost-effective Navy. By highlighting the complexities and achievements of the F-35C program, we aim to empower citizens to engage in discussions about defense priorities. Together, we can advocate for a Navy that reflects the values and vision of the American people while ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic effectiveness.

December 12, 2024December 12, 2024

Introducing Our Three-Part Series: Shaping the Future of Aerial Combat

Are Spaceships in the U.S. Navy’s future?

F-35 vs. Drones in U.S. Defense Strategy

Why This Matters to All Americans

As technology evolves and global security challenges intensify, the conversation about the future of aerial combat grows increasingly critical. At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we believe this debate is not just for defense experts and policymakers—it’s a conversation that impacts every American. The decisions we make today about our military capabilities will shape the safety, security, and strategic posture of the United States for decades to come.

The stakes are monumental. From the taxpayer dollars funding advanced fighter programs to the geopolitical implications of maintaining air superiority, this is a topic that demands both transparency and public engagement. That’s why we’re launching a comprehensive three-part series to explore this issue from every angle.

What We Plan to Cover

Part 1: The Debate Over the F-35 Program

We will present the current arguments surrounding the F-35 program, including Elon Musk’s critiques of manned fighter jets, Lockheed Martin’s defense of the aircraft, and the U.S. Navy’s position on its strategic importance. This installment will provide a clear and balanced view of the differing perspectives.

Part 2: Behind the Scenes of Defense Planning

This segment will peel back the layers of what goes into planning programs like the F-35. From research and development to operational strategies, we’ll dive into the complexity of balancing current needs with future threats. This part will highlight the challenges faced by military planners and strategists, giving Americans a deeper appreciation of the decisions at hand.

Part 3: The Future of Aerial Combat and Public Involvement

In our final piece, we’ll explore how advancements in technology and evolving geopolitical dynamics will shape the future of aerial combat. This installment will conclude with a call to action, inviting the American public to engage with this issue and weigh in on the path forward.

Why This Topic Is Significant

The F-35 program has been a cornerstone of U.S. airpower, but it is also a lightning rod for criticism. High costs, technical challenges, and emerging alternatives like drone swarms have sparked intense debate. At the same time, the world is witnessing rapid advancements in hypersonics, artificial intelligence, and unmanned systems—technologies that could redefine the very nature of warfare.

This is about more than aircraft. It’s about maintaining America’s technological edge, ensuring national security, and spending taxpayer dollars responsibly. The choices we make today will determine whether the U.S. remains a global leader in military innovation or cedes ground to competitors like China and Russia.

Why Americans Should Care

At its heart, this is a conversation about priorities. Should the U.S. continue investing in programs like the F-35, or pivot to emerging technologies? How can we ensure our military remains strong while being fiscally responsible? These are questions that affect every American, and they deserve thoughtful, informed discussion.

We encourage you to follow this series, engage with the content, and share your thoughts. As citizens, we have a vital role to play in shaping the future of our nation’s defense. Together, we can ensure that America’s Navy remains not only stronger but also smarter and more efficient.

Stay tuned for Part 1 of our series, where we dive into the debate over the F-35 program and explore the arguments from all sides. Let’s navigate this complex topic together.