Army's $11.26M Bet on Tern: A GPS Alternative for the Battlefield

When GPS Fails, So Do Military Operations

It's a stark reality that modern warfare increasingly depends on GPS for precision navigation and targeting. Yet, as conflicts intensify and adversaries grow more sophisticated, the vulnerability of these systems becomes ever more apparent. In this environment, the U.S. Army's recent decision to award $11.26 million to Austin-based Tern is a clear signal that it's preparing for a future where GPS may not be reliable.

Tern's Tech: A Closed-Loop Navigation System

Tern has developed a navigation system that works without GPS, relying instead on data from vehicle diagnostics. The startup's approach involves plugging a device into the vehicle's diagnostic port and using a tablet interface for soldiers to navigate — all powered by what the company describes as proprietary algorithms. In essence, Tern is turning vehicles into mobile data collection centers.

"We've got a device that plugs into the diagnostics board of the vehicle, wired to a tablet, and then that tablet is the interface for the soldier to use, and we provide both the position and navigation and routing there for the soldier," said Tern's co-founder and CEO Shaun Moore.

Moore emphasized that Tern doesn't disrupt or interfere with existing vehicle systems — it passively listens and interprets data to determine location. This closed-loop architecture makes the system harder to jam or spoof, which is a major advantage in contested environments.

Real-World Validation: From Texas to California

To demonstrate the viability of their solution, Tern's co-founder Brett Harrison recently used the tech to navigate an arduous 1,300-mile journey from Austin to Laguna Beach, California. During this drive, Tern's system never lost track of his vehicle's position — a stark contrast to traditional GPS, which failed dozens of times.

This kind of real-world performance is critical for military applications. In the field, where terrain can be unpredictable and communications are often jammed or compromised, having a resilient navigation solution could mean the difference between mission success and catastrophic failure.

The Broader Context: A Push for Resilient Systems

It's not just the military that's taking GPS vulnerabilities seriously. As recent reports have shown, both civilian and military aircraft are susceptible to GPS interference. The U.S. military itself has been exploring GPS jamming capabilities, a tactic that has contributed to incidents like the tragic crash of a medevac plane earlier this year.

Efforts to find alternatives have gained traction in Congress and among policymakers, with President Trump's administration notably pushing for resilient navigation systems during his first term. Now, with the Army placing a $11.26 million contract on Tern's technology, we're seeing a clear move toward building a more robust, independent system.

Military-Grade Innovation

What sets Tern apart is its military-grade focus from the start. As Harrison explained, the company didn't just want to build a proof-of-concept — it wanted to build something deployable and scalable. That mindset, shaped by real-world experience in Afghanistan as part of a special operations task force, is what drives their approach.

"From the very foundation of when we decided to embark upon this effort, we recognized it has to be actually deployable, actually scalable, and not a science project," Harrison said. "We weren't interested in just seeing what we could prove. We wanted to make sure it actually was something that could get into the wild and serve a purpose."

This pragmatic approach is reflected in their technology's robustness. Tern's system works both on- and off-road, even in challenging environments like tunnels or deserts — conditions where traditional GPS often fails.

Strategic Implications for Defense Policy

The Army's decision to invest in Tern's technology is a strong endorsement of the growing trend toward decentralized, resilient navigation. In an era where adversaries are increasingly using jamming and spoofing techniques, the military is beginning to prioritize technologies that can operate independently — not just as backups, but as core components of its operational framework.

From a policy standpoint, this investment signals a shift in thinking about how military operations will be conducted in future conflicts. It's no longer sufficient to rely on systems that may be vulnerable to disruption. Instead, the focus is shifting toward developing technologies that are inherently resistant to interference — and Tern's system could play a key role.

The Role of Private Innovation

This contract also highlights the growing importance of private-sector innovation in national defense. Tern's success is not just a tech story — it's a demonstration of how civilian startups can develop solutions that directly support military objectives.

It's a reminder that, in an increasingly complex global environment, innovation isn't limited to government labs or military institutions. Private companies like Tern are stepping up to solve critical challenges with real-world impact.

A Glimpse Into the Future

While this contract is focused on a specific military application, the implications stretch far beyond the battlefield. As Tern continues to refine its technology, we may see broader adoption in areas like autonomous vehicles, logistics, and even consumer applications.

In time, the kind of robust, self-reliant navigation systems that Tern is developing could become standard — not just for the military, but for anyone who depends on precise positioning in environments where GPS isn't guaranteed to work. As we continue to rely more heavily on digital systems, investing in alternatives that are resilient and secure is not just smart — it's essential.

This isn't just about replacing GPS; it's about building a new standard for navigation in an age of uncertainty.