U.S. Army Awards $11M Contract to Austin-Based Tern for GPS Alternative Tech
The U.S. Army has awarded a $11.26 million contract to Austin-based startup Tern, which is developing an alternative navigation system that does not rely on traditional GPS technology. The company's solution uses vehicle-generated data and edge processing to provide accurate positioning in challenging environments such as tunnels or deserts. This move comes amid growing concerns over the vulnerability of GPS systems due to jamming incidents reported globally. Tern’s CEO, Shaun Moore, explained that their system is a closed-loop technology designed not only as a backup but also as a more secure option for military use. The company has already demonstrated its effectiveness during long-distance road trips where traditional GPS frequently failed. Tern's co-founder Brett Harrison emphasized the importance of creating deployable and scalable solutions based on his experience in Afghanistan. The contract validates years of development work by Tern, which aims to provide a reliable navigation system for military operations while addressing broader concerns about GPS fragility.
Topics: Defense Contracts GPS Alternatives Military Tech Startups