Infleqtion Tests Atomic Clock on Navy Vessel

The Tiqker optical atomic clock provided stable timing for two weeks during a recent naval exercise in Southern California.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Quantum Computing

Isometric editorial illustration of a metallic hardware rack featuring internal optical components, representing independent maritime timing technology. — Infleqtion completed a two-week operational trial of its Tiqker optical atomic clock aboard the U.S. Navy vessel RV Merlin in October 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Infleqtion successfully completed a two-week continuous operational trial of its Tiqker optical atomic clock aboard the U.S. Navy vessel RV Merlin in October 2026. The test took place during the Maritime Big Play Pacific exercise and the BARB-26 subsea warfare exercise.

Why it matters

This trial serves to collect critical operational data for potential future naval integration, specifically for scenarios where GPS signals are unavailable. By functioning independently of satellite navigation, the device offers a reliable alternative for maritime and subsea timekeeping.

The Tiqker is a compact optical atomic clock capable of sustained operation through significant temperature shifts and heavy vibration. It successfully maintained continuous functionality for two weeks throughout the Pacific-based maritime exercise.

The players

Infleqtion

Infleqtion is a developer of quantum technology and atomic clock systems focused on providing timing solutions for navigation and defense.

U.S. Navy

The U.S. Navy is the branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for naval operations, including the testing of emerging maritime technologies.

The details

The device serves as an independent timing solution designed to replace GPS reliance in contested or signal-denied environments. Throughout the trial on the RV Merlin, the clock demonstrated resilience against the harsh environmental conditions inherent in subsea warfare operations.

The Tiqker clock was tested on an airborne technology demonstrator in 2024.
A trial was conducted on the UK Royal Navy submarine XV Excalibur in 2025.
The two-week trial aboard the RV Merlin took place in October 2026.

The Tech Race

The transition toward self-contained atomic timing marks a shift away from sole reliance on the Global Positioning System for critical navigation. This technology positions Infleqtion to compete in the growing market for resilient, GPS-independent systems required by modern defense platforms.

While primarily focused on defense applications, this technology improves the reliability of navigation systems that may eventually filter down to commercial maritime and aviation sectors. Improved local timing allows for more accurate positioning and synchronization even when satellite signals face interference.

The takeaway

Reliable, independent timing is essential for maintaining operational safety in environments where satellite data is vulnerable or unavailable. Future developments in compact atomic clocks will likely focus on increasing durability for even harsher long-term deployment scenarios.