# US Army Awards $11.26 Million Contract to Tern for GPS-Alternative Navigation

> Austin-based startup Tern has secured a U.S. Army contract to deploy its navigation technology, which functions independently of GPS.

- Published: 2026-09-10T12:00:00.000Z
- Category: technology
- Source: [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/10/us-army-places-11m-bet-on-austin-based-gps-alternative-tern/)
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The U.S. Army has awarded an $11.26 million contract to Austin-based startup Tern to implement its low-cost navigation technology in military vehicles. The system, described by the company as "Google Maps for the battlefield," allows vehicles to determine their position without relying on GPS. This development comes as the military seeks more resilient navigation options amid increasing reports of GPS disruptions in regions such as the Middle East, Ukraine, and Russia.

### Key numbers

- **$11.26 million** — value of the U.S. Army contract
- **1,300-mile** — distance of the system's successful test drive

**Why it matters:** The contract addresses military concerns regarding the fragility of GPS, which is increasingly subject to jamming and disruptions in conflict zones. By providing a closed-system, non-GPS alternative for vehicle navigation, the Army aims to ensure operational continuity for soldiers in environments where traditional satellite positioning may be unreliable or compromised.

## How the Technology Functions

Tern’s system utilizes a device that connects to a vehicle’s diagnostics board and wires into a tablet, which serves as the interface for soldiers. The technology passively collects data generated by the vehicle while in motion and uses proprietary methods to process this information, outputting latitude and longitude coordinates. By using edge processing, the system allows for independent navigation in various environments, including tunnels and deserts.

## Security and Reliability

A key feature of the Tern system is that it operates as a closed loop, making it more difficult for adversaries to disrupt compared to traditional GPS. Co-founder Brett Harrison, a military veteran, noted that the technology was designed to be scalable and deployable rather than experimental. In a recent test, Harrison used the system to navigate a 1,300-mile drive from Austin to Laguna Beach, California, reporting that the technology maintained the vehicle's position throughout the trip.

**Key points**

- The U.S. Army contract for Tern’s navigation technology is valued at $11.26 million.
- Tern’s system uses edge processing to determine vehicle position independently of GPS signals.
- The hardware connects to a vehicle's diagnostics board and displays navigation data on a tablet interface.
- Co-founder Brett Harrison reported the system successfully tracked a 1,300-mile trip between Austin and Laguna Beach.
- The technology is designed as a closed system to prevent external interference or disruption by adversaries.