US Army places $11M bet on Austin-based GPS alternative Tern
Tern has described its tech as "Google Maps for the battlefield."
The US Army's $11 million investment in Tern, an Austin-based company, signals a significant interest in developing alternatives to traditional GPS technology, particularly in military applications. Tern's description of its tech as "Google Maps for the battlefield" suggests a system that can provide accurate and reliable location information in environments where GPS signals may be weak or compromised. This is a critical need for the military, as GPS vulnerability is a growing concern.
The investment also highlights the increasing importance of positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technologies in modern warfare. As GPS signals can be easily disrupted or spoofed, the military is looking for alternative solutions that can provide assured PNT capabilities. Tern's technology, which likely leverages a combination of sensors and mapping data, could offer a more resilient and accurate solution for military operations. The company's approach may also have implications for civilian applications, such as autonomous vehicles and smart cities.
As the military continues to explore alternative PNT technologies, it's worth watching how Tern's solution performs in real-world tests and deployments. The company's ability to scale its technology and integrate it with existing military systems will be crucial to its success. Additionally, the investment may spark further innovation in the PNT space, as other companies and startups look to develop competing solutions. The intersection of military needs and commercial applications will be an area to watch, as advancements in one sector often drive progress in the other.
Originally reported by techcrunch.com. TechNews adds analysis for technology readers.