Austin-based startup Tern has secured an $11.26 million contract from the U.S. Army to deploy its low-cost navigation system as an alternative to traditional GPS in military vehicles.
The company describes its technology as a kind of "Google Maps for the battlefield," though the exact scale of the rollout has not been disclosed. The system is designed to help vehicles determine their position using onboard data rather than relying on satellite signals.
Tern's setup connects to a vehicle's diagnostics port and links with a tablet interface for navigation and routing. According to co-founder and CEO Shaun Moore, the platform passively reads vehicle data and converts it into usable location information through proprietary methods.
The startup says its approach can support navigation in places where GPS is unreliable, including tunnels, deserts, and off-road environments. Co-founder Brett Harrison said he recently tested the system on a long drive from Austin to Laguna Beach, where it maintained position tracking throughout the trip.
Beyond accuracy, Tern emphasizes that its closed system is harder to interfere with, making it a resilient option for environments where navigation must remain stable. The Army's interest also reflects a wider push toward more robust, edge-based mobility tools.
As navigation systems evolve, technologies like Tern's may help shape a future where vehicles can move with greater independence and reliability, even when satellite-based positioning is limited.
