US Army Invests $11M in GPS Alternative Tern
· outdoors
A Break from Dependence: Tern’s GPS Alternative and its Military Imperative
The U.S. Army has awarded Austin-based startup Tern an $11 million contract, marking a significant shift in the military’s approach to navigation technology. The decision to invest in Tern’s low-cost, GPS alternative tech underscores growing concerns about the vulnerabilities of modern navigation systems.
GPS disruptions have become increasingly common, particularly in conflict zones such as Ukraine and Russia. Even the U.S. military has reportedly experimented with GPS jamming, highlighting the potential for even advanced technologies to be compromised. The tragic crash of a medevac plane earlier this year, which may have been caused in part by GPS disruption, underscores the urgent need for alternative solutions.
The Army’s contract with Tern represents a deliberate move away from dependence on GPS, a system that has become increasingly fragile. Tern’s tech utilizes data generated by vehicles themselves to determine their own position independently – a critical capability in both on- and off-road environments. This is achieved through edge processing and proprietary methods.
The implications of this technology extend beyond the military context. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on GPS, vulnerabilities in these systems pose a significant threat to global stability. Consumers often overlook the fragility of the GPS system, but Tern’s CEO Shaun Moore notes that people tend to underestimate the potential risks of GPS disruptions.
Tern’s tech has been validated by the Army contract after years of development and testing. Co-founder Brett Harrison’s personal experience in Afghanistan serves as a powerful reminder of the real-world implications of this technology. His drive from Austin to Laguna Beach without losing his vehicle’s position, while traditional GPS cut out dozens of times, showcases the effectiveness of Tern’s system.
The Army contract demonstrates a more resilient navigation system that can withstand disruptions and remain effective in hostile environments. However, its military applications may limit potential commercial uses. It is essential to consider adapting Tern’s technology for civilian use, particularly as we become increasingly reliant on GPS for everyday activities such as driving and package delivery.
The Army’s decision sends a message to the tech industry: innovation must address real-world problems, not just focus on profit or novelty. The need for solutions that prioritize resilience and adaptability has never been more pressing. Tern’s GPS alternative is one step towards developing technologies that improve both military capabilities and civilian lives.
The stakes are high, but so are the potential rewards. By embracing innovation that addresses real-world challenges, we can create systems that serve our military needs while also improving the lives of civilians. The question now is: what’s next for Tern and its revolutionary tech?
Reader Views
- JHJess H. · thru-hiker
It's refreshing to see the military investing in alternative navigation tech, but I'm curious about the scalability and deployment of Tern's system. How will they ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure and equipment, particularly for older vehicles that may not be equipped with edge processing capabilities? A more detailed explanation of their implementation strategy would provide valuable insight into the feasibility of this technology on a broader scale.
- TTThe Trail Desk · editorial
The US Army's investment in Tern's GPS alternative is a timely recognition of the military's vulnerabilities to GPS disruption. While this tech holds promise for military operations, its broader implications on civilian infrastructure are worth considering. As cities increasingly rely on smart traffic management and autonomous vehicles, what happens when these systems, dependent on precise location data, fail due to widespread GPS disruptions? Tern's solution may provide a temporary fix, but the deeper question is whether we're adequately prepared for a future where our entire transportation network hangs by a thread of satellite connectivity.
- MTMarko T. · expedition guide
It's about time someone tackled the GPS vulnerability problem head-on. While $11M is a significant investment, I'm surprised the Army didn't require Tern to develop its tech in-house, rather than relying on an external contractor. That could limit the military's ability to adapt and improve the system quickly enough to keep pace with emerging threats. Still, this is a crucial step forward, and it'll be fascinating to see how Tern's tech holds up in real-world applications – particularly in contested environments where GPS signals are likely to be disrupted.