US Army Backs Austin Startup Tern with $11M for GPS-Free Navigation Tech

The U.S. Army has awarded $11 million to Tern, an Austin-based company developing a navigation system that works without GPS, according to TechCrunch. Tern likens its technology to “Google Maps for the battlefield.”

The investment highlights the military’s growing interest in alternatives to satellite-based positioning, which can be jammed or spoofed in contested environments. Tern’s approach aims to provide reliable location data even when GPS signals are unavailable.

Based in Austin, Tern is now positioned to further develop its platform with Army backing. The $11 million bet signals confidence in the startup’s ability to deliver a practical solution for navigation in GPS-denied scenarios.