Quantum sensors enable defense systems to detect threats with unprecedented precision and accuracy. These sensors, however, are vulnerable to interference and deterioration. A new Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) effort aims to develop quantum sensors that will be durable when exposed to real-world environments.
The Robust Quantum Sensors (RoQS) program launched its first phase in August 2025, charging teams with developing sensors that can withstand deployment on systems at sea, on the ground, in the air and in space, according to a DARPA news release.
Sensor technology plays a critical role in providing data for missile warning, missile defense and space domain awareness. Quantum sensors, which incorporate the physics of subatomic particles into their design, offer unmatched precision in detecting electric and magnetic fields, acceleration, rotation, and gravity to enable early warning. However, the same technology that enables precision sensing makes them fragile when exposed to vibration from motors or electromagnetic interference.
“Quantum sensors have taken the most precise measurements of fields, gradients, rotation, acceleration, gravity. Despite that, we face many, many challenges in putting onto platforms in the real world,” Jonathan Hoffman, RoQS program manager, said during a January 2025 presentation to prospective providers. “The sensing modalities themselves are particularly susceptible because they’re so sensitive … to the problems that arise when you integrate them onto a platform.”
The goal is to build sensors that are robust enough to withstand interference while maintaining sensitivity. Such sensors will be crucial for the White House-mandated Golden Dome for America orbital defense shield and other systems designed to track and counter hypersonic weapons.
“What we want to do is go back and re-envision how we build those quantum sensors to be inherently robust to these [interferences],” Hoffman said.
RoQS Phase 1 kicked off with two technical areas in parallel, according to the DARPA news release:
• Sensor Development: Teams will build compact quantum sensors and test them on a government-provided helicopter. The helicopter environment was chosen for its inherent challenges — strong electromagnetic fields, vibrations and gradients — so that sensors that pass this test can be trusted to work on a wide range of other War Department platforms. The sensors will also be tested in government laboratories, Hoffman said.
• Platform Integration Studies: Teams will work with the defense industrial base to identify specific programs of record and platform types where quantum sensors could deliver strategic value. These could range from ground vehicles and submarines to satellites and UAVs. The studies will help shape integration paths and technical requirements for RoQS’ second phase.
The teams have 30 months to complete Phase 1. During Phase 2, teams that pass Phase 1 requirements will be invited to test the sensors on a War Department program of record platform, Hoffman said.
“We are going to get this on a program of record and out into the field and deployed as quickly as we can,” he said.