TERN

United States | NATO DIANA Energy & Power 2026

Resilient, GNSS-free navigation for assured mobility in contested environments

Founded:
Team: 10-50
Funding: Private
Website: https://www.tern.ai

DIANA Status

NATO DIANA 2026 Cohort

Technology

TERN specializes in resilient, GNSS-free navigation technology, providing assured mobility for defense platforms. This core offering ensures continuous operation and precise positioning without reliance on vulnerable satellite signals. It is designed specifically for highly contested electromagnetic environments where traditional GPS/GNSS systems are compromised.

Key Differentiators

TERN's primary differentiator is its proven capability to provide reliable navigation in GPS-denied and electromagnetically contested zones. Unlike traditional systems, it offers true operational independence from satellite vulnerabilities, ensuring mission success where others fail. This resilience provides a critical strategic advantage for modern military operations.

Data Center Value Proposition

Defense organizations should care deeply about TERN's technology because it directly addresses a critical vulnerability in modern warfare: reliance on GPS. Assured mobility in contested environments is paramount for mission success, force protection, and maintaining strategic advantage. TERN enables persistent ISR and strike capabilities even when adversaries attempt to disrupt navigation.

Cost / ROI

The return on investment for TERN's technology lies in significantly reducing mission failure rates due to navigation denial and extending operational reach into high-threat areas. It enhances strategic flexibility by enabling operations from smaller, more distributed platforms, reducing the need for costly and vulnerable large bases or carriers. The cost is justified by enhanced mission success and force survivability.

Technology Readiness

Given its participation in NATO DIANA and the context of advanced defense programs like DARPA's TERN, the technology is likely at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6-7. This indicates a prototype system demonstrated in a relevant environment, moving towards full system development and integration. It is mature enough for advanced testing and integration into defense platforms.

Summary

TERN provides cutting-edge, GNSS-free navigation technology, ensuring assured mobility and operational resilience for defense platforms in highly contested electromagnetic environments. This critical capability enables persistent ISR and strike missions where traditional GPS-reliant systems would fail. TERN empowers forces to operate independently and effectively, even when adversaries attempt to disrupt their positioning.

Contact: info@diana.nato.int
Prepared by: NATO DIANA | NATO DIANA Business Development
Date: March 2026 | DCD-NY Edition