Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) has selected Adtran’s Oscilloquartz high-performance optically pumped cesium clock for its Adelaide facility, marking the first integration of optical cesium technology in Australian defence research. The OSA 3300 HP will serve as a critical time and frequency reference for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) research, delivered in collaboration with local partner CoverTel.
This deployment underscores a strategic shift toward autonomous, long-term synchronization solutions in defence. Stuart Broome, GM of EMEA and APAC sales at Adtran, emphasised the growing need for timing resilience, particularly as reliance on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) becomes increasingly vulnerable to jamming and spoofing. “Defence organisations around the world are reassessing how they ensure timing resilience,” Broome said. “With its unmatched stability and modular design, the OSA 3300 HP gives national infrastructure the precision and adaptability it needs to stay ahead.”
The OSA 3300 HP is designed to support advanced PNT research within DSTG’s Sensors and Effectors division. Using optical pumping technology that measures 100 times more atoms than traditional magnetic cesium clocks, the device delivers exceptional frequency stability and precision. Its all-digital design ensures consistent performance, while its 10-year operational lifespan offers long-term value. The compact, robust construction of the OSA 3300 HP provides the reliability needed to support Australia’s evolving synchronization requirements and critical scientific initiatives.
Brad Willmore, senior business development executive at CoverTel, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in strengthening Australia’s defence capabilities. “Together with Adtran, we’re empowering DSTG to explore new approaches to synchronization and build greater resilience into the Australian Defence Force’s long-term PNT capabilities, especially in contested environments,” Willmore said. “The solution will lay the groundwork for systems that rely on precise, dependable timing—from secure defence communications to advanced sensing and navigation.”
This partnership reflects a broader trend in defence technology, where nations are increasingly investing in autonomous timing solutions to mitigate risks associated with GNSS dependency. As Australia continues to advance its defence research, the integration of optical cesium technology could set a new standard for precision timing in military applications. The collaboration between Adtran, CoverTel, and DSTG not only enhances Australia’s operational readiness but also positions the country as a leader in defence innovation.