DSTG Adopts Optical Cesium Clock in Australia

Download IPFS

ADELAIDE, Australia, Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) has selected Adtran’s Oscilloquartz high-performance optically pumped cesium clock to advance research at its Adelaide facility, marking the first integration of optical cesium technology within Australian defense research.

The OSA 3300 HP will serve as a critical time and frequency reference for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) research. Delivered in partnership with Australian technology integrator CoverTel, the deployment strengthens DSTG’s capabilities in precision timing, an essential component for modern defense systems.

“DSTG’s selection of our optical cesium clock reflects a global shift toward autonomous, long-term synchronization solutions,” said Stuart Broome, GM of EMEA and APAC sales at Adtran. “Defense organizations worldwide are reassessing timing resilience, particularly as reliance on GNSS [Global Navigation Satellite Systems] grows risk-prone. The OSA 3300 HP offers unmatched stability and modular design, giving national infrastructure the precision and adaptability required for advanced PNT research.”

DSTG’s Sensors and Effectors division will utilize the OSA 3300 HP to support cutting-edge PNT investigations. Optical pumping technology enables the measurement of 100 times more atoms than conventional magnetic cesium clocks, delivering superior frequency stability and precision. Its all-digital architecture ensures consistent performance, while a 10-year operational lifespan provides long-term reliability.

With a compact form factor and robust construction, the OSA 3300 HP is designed to withstand the demands of defense and scientific research. Its advanced atomic technology equips Australia with the ability to maintain accurate timing in environments where GNSS signals may be disrupted or intentionally jammed.

“Working with Adtran allows DSTG to explore new approaches to synchronization and build resilience into Australia’s long-term PNT capabilities,” said Brad Willmore, senior business development executive at CoverTel. “This solution will enable systems that depend on precise timing, from secure communications to advanced sensing and navigation. It lays the foundation for stronger national infrastructure and enhances operational readiness across defense networks.”

Adtran, a global provider of networking and communications solutions, supports voice, data, video, and internet communications for service providers, government agencies, and enterprise clients worldwide. ADTRAN Holdings, Inc., the company’s parent, is listed on NASDAQ (ADTN) and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE: QH9).

CoverTel, an Australian-owned company, specializes in telecommunications and testing solutions for government, defense, and enterprise sectors. As a trusted partner for international technology providers, CoverTel facilitates the integration of advanced equipment into Australia’s critical infrastructure.

The integration of optical cesium technology represents a significant step for Australia’s defense research, enhancing both the precision and reliability of PNT systems. It demonstrates the nation’s commitment to maintaining technological leadership in areas essential to national security and operational effectiveness