Australian Defence Science and Technology Group selects Adtran optical cesium clock for PNT research

21 August 2025

News summary:

DSTG needed a high-stability timing source to support advanced PNT research
Adtran’s OSA 3300 HP optical cesium atomic clock offers exceptional frequency accuracy and a 10-year operational lifespan
Oscilloquartz technology strengthens resilient timing capabilities for scientific research applications

Adtran today announced that Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), part of the Australian government’s Department of Defence, has selected its Oscilloquartz high-performance optically pumped cesium clock to support research at its Adelaide facility. The OSA 3300 HP will serve as a time and frequency reference for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) research. Delivered in collaboration with local partner CoverTel, the deployment marks the first integration of optical cesium technology within Australian defense research.

“DSTG’s selection of our optical cesium reflects a broader shift toward autonomous, long-term synchronization solutions,” said Stuart Broome, GM of EMEA and APAC sales at Adtran. “Defense organizations around the world are reassessing how they ensure timing resilience, particularly as reliance on GNSS becomes more of a risk. With its unmatched stability and modular design, the OSA 3300 HP gives national infrastructure the precision and adaptability it needs to stay ahead. Our technology will be key to supporting DSTG’s research into new strategies for assured PNT and we look forward to helping more defense customers build greater timing autonomy.”

Our optical cesium technology gives national infrastructure the precision and adaptability it needs to stay ahead.
Stuart Broome, GM of EMEA and APAC sales at Adtran

DSTG selected the OSA 3300 HP to support advanced PNT research within its Sensors and Effectors division. Using optical pumping technology that measures 100 times more atoms than traditional magnetic cesium clocks, the device delivers outstanding frequency stability and precision. Its all-digital design ensures consistent performance, while its 10-year operational lifespan offers long-term value. With its compact form factor, robust construction and advanced atomic technology, the OSA 3300 HP provides the reliability needed to support Australia’s evolving synchronization requirements and critical scientific initiatives.

“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 where GNSS jamming and spoofing are prevalent,” commented Brad Willmore, senior business development executive at CoverTel. “The solution will lay the groundwork for systems that rely on precise, dependable timing – from secure defense communications to advanced sensing and navigation. It’s an important step in strengthening the country’s national infrastructure, supporting both operational readiness and the scientific insight needed to shape future capabilities.”