Defense & Military
PsiQuantum and Lockheed Martin Partner to Advance Quantum Computing for Aerospace
PsiQuantum and Lockheed Martin collaborate to develop fault-tolerant quantum computing solutions for aerospace and defense missions.
PsiQuantum and Lockheed Martin Forge Alliance to Pioneer Quantum Computing in Aerospace and Defense
In a significant move to bridge the gap between theoretical quantum science and practical application, quantum computing firm PsiQuantum and aerospace and defense giant Lockheed Martin have announced a strategic collaboration. This partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), aims to accelerate the development of quantum computing for critical aerospace and defense challenges. The collaboration signals a deliberate step towards harnessing the immense computational power of quantum mechanics to solve problems that are currently beyond the scope of even the most powerful classical supercomputers.
The alliance builds upon years of previous, less formal collaboration, solidifying a shared vision to explore and develop quantum algorithms tailored for real-world missions. For the aerospace and defense sectors, this means potentially revolutionary advancements in areas ranging from materials science and logistics to secure communications and vehicle design. By combining PsiQuantum’s cutting-edge work in fault-tolerant quantum computing with Lockheed Martin’s deep industry expertise and focus on national security, the partnerships is poised to lay the groundwork for the next generation of technology for the U.S. government and its allies.
This initiative is not just about future-proofing; it’s about actively shaping the trajectory of a technology with profound national security implications. As the global race for quantum supremacy intensifies, strategic partnerships like this one are crucial for translating laboratory breakthroughs into fieldable, mission-ready capabilities. The focus is on creating a tangible advantage by preparing for the transformative impact of quantum computing well before the technology reaches full maturity.
A Strategic Synergy of Innovation and Industry Leadership
The collaboration represents a powerful synergy between two leaders in their respective fields. On one side is PsiQuantum, a company founded in 2016 with the ambitious goal of building the world’s first useful, fault-tolerant quantum computer. On the other is Lockheed Martin, a global powerhouse in aerospace and defense with a long-standing commitment to technological innovation and a clear understanding of the sector’s most complex computational needs.
PsiQuantum: The Architect of Fault-Tolerant Quantum Systems
PsiQuantum has distinguished itself in the crowded quantum landscape through its unique technological approach and clear focus on fault tolerance, the ability of a quantum computer to perform reliable computations despite the inherent instability of quantum states. The company is pursuing a photonic approach, which uses particles of light as qubits. A key advantage of this method is its compatibility with existing semiconductor manufacturing processes, potentially streamlining the path to building large-scale, commercially viable quantum computers.
The company’s software suite, “Construct,” is a critical component of its strategy, providing a platform for designing, analyzing, and optimizing quantum algorithms for specific problems. This focus on the entire hardware and software stack is backed by substantial investment, including a recent $1 billion Series E funding round that brought its total funding to over $2.32 billion. This financial backing is aimed directly at the monumental task of building utility-scale quantum computers, with major projects planned in both Chicago and Australia.
“Real, useful quantum computing will begin transforming the aerospace industry in a few short years, and now is the time for companies to prepare to seize the fullest potential of this technology.” – Mark Brunner, Executive Vice President for PsiQuantum’s U.S. Public Sector team.
Lockheed Martin: Defining the Mission for Quantum Technology
Lockheed Martin’s interest in quantum computing is not new. The company has been actively engaged in quantum research for years, notably through its partnership with the University of Southern California to establish the USC-Lockheed Martin Quantum Computing Center (QCC). This history of exploration, including research using D-Wave’s quantum annealing systems and collaborations with IBM on modeling complex molecules, demonstrates a long-term commitment to understanding and leveraging quantum information science.
Within this new collaboration, Lockheed Martin will take the lead in developing defense-specific quantum applications. Its role is to define the problems that need solving and to shape how future quantum hardware can be integrated into real-world missions. This involves identifying the most promising use cases where quantum computers can offer a decisive advantage, ensuring that the technology’s development is guided by practical, mission-focused requirements.
As stated by Valerie Browning, Lockheed Martin’s Vice President of Research and Technology, the company is “laser-focused on identifying fieldable quantum technologies that strengthen the mission-focused capabilities we provide to our customers.” This collaboration with PsiQuantum is seen as a way to deepen that effort and fortify Lockheed Martin’s technological leadership as it advances its “21st Century Security®” vision.
Unlocking a New Era of Aerospace and Defense Capabilities
The ultimate goal of this partnership is to unlock transformative applications that will redefine what is possible in the aerospace and defense industries. The emphasis on fault-tolerant quantum computing is central to this ambition, as it is widely considered the key to solving complex, real-world problems with the reliability and scale required for mission-critical operations.
From Secure Communications to Advanced Vehicle Design
The potential applications are vast and varied. In computational fluid dynamics (CFD), quantum computers could enable far more accurate simulations for aircraft design and aerodynamic analysis, leading to more efficient and capable vehicles. For logistics and optimization, they could solve complex resource allocation problems, improving operational readiness and efficiency on a scale that is currently intractable.
Secure communications stand to be revolutionized through quantum key distribution (QKD), a method for creating theoretically unbreakable encryption. In materials science, quantum simulations could accelerate the design of new materials with unique properties, building on the type of research Lockheed Martin has already explored with IBM for applications like more efficient rocket fuel. Perhaps one of the most disruptive potential applications is in sensing and radar, where quantum radar systems could theoretically detect stealth aircraft, fundamentally altering the landscape of military operations.
This forward-looking work is taking place within a rapidly growing market. The quantum computing market in the aerospace and defense sector was valued at USD 2.44 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to USD 8.11 billion by 2032. This growth reflects a broader industry trend of increasing investment and strategic partnerships, with major technology companies like Google and IBM also making significant strides in the field.
Concluding Section: Charting the Course for a Quantum-Powered Future
The strategic collaboration between PsiQuantum and Lockheed Martin is more than just a business agreement; it is a foundational step toward integrating quantum computing into the fabric of national security and aerospace technology. By uniting a leader in fault-tolerant quantum hardware with a leader in defense applications, the partnership aims to systematically de-risk and accelerate the transition of quantum computing from a scientific curiosity to an indispensable strategic tool.
While the full realization of this quantum-powered future is still on the horizon, the work being done today is critical. This alliance represents a long-term vision, acknowledging that the time to prepare for the quantum revolution is now. By focusing on developing practical algorithms and identifying mission-critical use cases, PsiQuantum and Lockheed Martin are not just waiting for the future of computing, they are actively building it.
FAQ
Question: What is the main goal of the PsiQuantum and Lockheed Martin collaboration?
Answer: The primary goal is to explore and develop quantum algorithms for real-world aerospace and defense applications for the U.S. government and its allies, leveraging PsiQuantum’s expertise in fault-tolerant quantum computing and Lockheed Martin’s deep industry and mission expertise.
Question: What makes PsiQuantum’s approach to quantum computing unique?
Answer: PsiQuantum is focused on a photonic approach, which uses particles of light (photons) as qubits. This method is notable because it allows the company to leverage existing, mature semiconductor manufacturing processes to build its fault-tolerant quantum computers.
Question: Why is “fault-tolerant” quantum computing so important for this collaboration?
Answer: Fault-tolerant quantum computers are designed to correct for the inherent errors and instability (noise) in quantum systems. This capability is considered essential for solving the kind of complex, large-scale problems relevant to aerospace and defense, ensuring that the results are reliable and accurate enough for mission-critical applications.
Sources
Photo Credit: PsiQuantum
Defense & Military
Boeing Deploys Predictive Maintenance System to Boost C-17 Readiness
Boeing introduces the Aircraft Data Reasoner to enhance C-17 fleet readiness with predictive maintenance and improved availability through 2075.
Boeing Deploys New Predictive Maintenance System to Boost C-17 Fleet Readiness
This article is based on an official press release from Boeing.
On April 23, 2026, Boeing announced the deployment of a new predictive maintenance system designed to enhance the operational readiness of the C-17A Globemaster III. According to the official press release, the Aircraft Data Reasoner (ADR) provides near-real-time component health monitoring to improve maintenance decision-making across the global heavy-lift fleet.
By transforming onboard sensor data into actionable supply-chain signals, the ADR system aims to prevent unexpected Military-Aircraft failures and significantly reduce unscheduled downtime. Boeing notes that this data-driven approach is a critical step in increasing overall fleet availability for an aircraft that serves as the backbone of global military airlift and humanitarian relief.
We note that this Software-focused initiative complements recent hardware modernization contracts. Together, these upgrades are part of a broader Strategy by the U.S. Air Force and Boeing to keep the aging C-17 fleet fully operational and mission-ready through at least the year 2075.
The Aircraft Data Reasoner: How It Works
The ADR is a comprehensive health management tool developed by Boeing engineers utilizing emerging data recording and analytics technologies. According to the company’s announcement, the system extracts onboard aircraft data, expanding significantly beyond the platform’s legacy data feeds to provide a more granular view of aircraft health.
This system does not operate in isolation. Boeing states that the ADR’s insights are directly integrated into the company’s aircraft health scorecard and supply-chain forecasting systems. Rather than treating the global fleet as a single entity, the ADR employs an individualized approach, ensuring that each specific aircraft tail is monitored for its unique maintenance and operational needs.
Measurable Benefits for the C-17 Fleet
The implementation of the ADR provides several measurable advantages for C-17 operators. Boeing reports that applying ADR data yields a proven 2% to 3% increase in aircraft availability. The company backs this metric with an analysis of 10 years of historical service data.
A primary benefit of the system is its predictive maintenance capability. According to Boeing, the analytics team can now identify components exhibiting “failure signatures”, such as degrading fuel probes, and replace them before they fail during a mission. This allows maintenance teams to conduct repairs during routine, scheduled windows rather than waiting for a “hard break,” which traditionally grounds aircraft unexpectedly and drives up unscheduled maintenance hours.
Furthermore, the system optimizes the Supply-Chain by turning sensor readings into direct demand signals. Logistics planners can predict potential failures and pre-position spare parts at the exact locations where the aircraft will need them next.
“That predictive visibility not only improves C-17 mission readiness and reduces unscheduled downtime, it also drives smarter parts positioning and sustainment decisions across the fleet.”
Contextualizing the C-17’s Future
A Legacy of Global Mobility
To understand the significance of this upgrade, it is important to look at the historical context of the C-17A Globemaster III. The aircraft has been the cornerstone of strategic transport for over three decades, with the global fleet logging over 4.5 million flight hours. It is currently operated by the U.S. Air Force alongside a “virtual fleet” of eight international partners: the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, India, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and NATO’s Strategic Airlift Capability based in Hungary.
The 2075 Mandate and Hardware Modernization
The introduction of the ADR is part of an aggressive push to future-proof the fleet. The U.S. Air Force recently announced plans to operate the C-17 through at least 2075. In February 2026, Boeing secured a major Contracts to modernize the C-17’s flight deck, replacing 1990s-era avionics with a Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) that allows for “plug-and-play” digital upgrades.
AirPro News analysis
We view the deployment of the Aircraft Data Reasoner as the essential “software and data” counterpart to the “hardware” modernization announced earlier in 2026. By pairing predictive data analytics with a modular open systems architecture, Boeing and the U.S. Air Force are establishing a robust blueprint for legacy aircraft sustainment. This dual-track approach is critical for mitigating the risks of avionics obsolescence and supply chain bottlenecks, ensuring the C-17 remains a reliable strategic asset for the next five decades.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Aircraft Data Reasoner (ADR)?
The ADR is a predictive maintenance system developed by Boeing for the C-17 fleet. It uses onboard sensor data to monitor component health in near-real-time, predicting failures before they occur.
How much does the ADR improve aircraft availability?
According to Boeing’s analysis of 10 years of historical data, the ADR provides a proven 2% to 3% increase in aircraft availability.
How long will the C-17 Globemaster III remain in service?
The U.S. Air Force has mandated plans to keep the C-17 fleet operational through at least the year 2075, supported by both hardware and software modernization efforts.
Photo Credit: Boeing
Defense & Military
Castelion Wins $105M U.S. Navy Contract for Blackbeard Hypersonic Weapon
Castelion awarded $105M contract to integrate Blackbeard hypersonic strike weapon on F/A-18 Super Hornet, targeting operational use by 2027.
This article is based on an official press release from Castelion.
Defense technology company Castelion has secured a $105 million contracts from the U.S. Navy to advance the integration of its Blackbeard hypersonic strike weapon onto the F/A-18 Super Hornet. The agreement aims to transition the advanced weapon system to an Early Operational Capability (EOC) by 2027.
According to a company press release, the newly awarded funds will support extensive system safety and certification testing, alongside flight testing and other critical integration activities required for carrier-based operations. This development marks a significant step in the Navy’s push to equip its carrier air wings with next-generation hypersonic capabilities.
The $105 million award builds upon previous investments by the military branch, reflecting a sustained effort to accelerate the deployment of affordable and scalable hypersonic deterrents to the fleet.
Advancing the Blackbeard Hypersonic System
The Blackbeard system is Castelion’s flagship hypersonic weapon, engineered specifically for rapid, industrial-rate production and commercial unit cost efficiency. Under the terms of the new contract, the company will focus on completing the hardware and software integration of the weapon onto the F/A-18E/F airframe.
A major component of the contract involves executing the rigorous system safety and airworthiness certification process mandated for naval aviation. As noted in the Castelion release, this non-negotiable certification ensures the weapon is approved for safe storage, loading, and carriage aboard an aircraft carrier operating at sea.
“The U.S. Navy’s commitment to fielding affordable, innovative hypersonic capability reflects the kind of leadership this moment demands and clear determination to move fast for the warfighter,” said Bryon Hargis, CEO and Co-Founder of Castelion. “We’re grateful for the continued trust in Blackbeard and in our team.”
A Timeline of Accelerated Naval Investment
The U.S. Navy has demonstrated a clear strategy to rapidly move new capabilities from the prototype phase to the operational fleet. This latest $105 million contract follows a previous $49.9 million award granted to Castelion in February 2026, which was designed to advance the Blackbeard system from prototype to production.
By sequencing these milestones, the Navy is maintaining operational rigor while accelerating the timeline for fielding advanced strike weapons. Castelion, which operates out of Torrance, California, with manufacturing facilities in New Mexico and Texas, has positioned the Blackbeard system to meet the Department of Defense’s objective of building credible, nonnuclear deterrent capacity at scale.
AirPro News analysis
The rapid succession of contracts awarded to Castelion highlights a broader strategic shift within the U.S. military toward acquiring cost-effective, mass-producible hypersonic weapons. Traditional hypersonic development programs have often been plagued by high costs and extended timelines. By partnering with agile defense-tech startups, the Navy is signaling a willingness to adopt commercial production methodologies to achieve Early Operational Capability faster than legacy acquisition pathways typically allow.
Integrating a new hypersonic weapon onto the F/A-18 Super Hornet by 2027 is an ambitious target that underscores the urgency of modernizing carrier strike group capabilities. If successful, the Blackbeard program could serve as a template for future rapid-fielding initiatives across other branches of the armed forces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Blackbeard hypersonic weapon?
Blackbeard is an advanced hypersonic strike weapon developed by Castelion. It is designed for rapid, scalable production and cost efficiency, providing a nonnuclear deterrent capability for the U.S. military.
When is the Blackbeard system expected to be operational?
Under the current $105 million U.S. Navy contract, Castelion aims to transition the Blackbeard system to an Early Operational Capability (EOC) on the F/A-18 Super Hornet in 2027.
What does the new Navy contract cover?
The contract funds the hardware and software integration of the weapon onto the F/A-18E/F airframe, as well as the rigorous system safety, flight testing, and airworthiness certification required for carrier-based operations.
Sources
Photo Credit: Castelion
Defense & Military
US Air Force Selects Companies for Nuclear Microreactor Deployment
The US Air Force chooses Antares, Radiant, and Westinghouse to install nuclear microreactors at military bases under the ANPI program by 2030.
This article summarizes reporting by Bloomberg and Will Wade. This article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.
The US Department of the Air Force has officially selected three companies to install nuclear microreactors at designated military installations. According to reporting by Bloomberg, the move signals a growing interest in fission systems as the military seeks to secure reliable power amid climbing electricity demands.
The initiative falls under the Advanced Nuclear Power for Installations (ANPI) program, a collaborative effort launched by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) alongside the Air Force and Army. The program aims to deploy contractor-owned and operated microreactors to ensure critical national security missions remain uninterrupted by commercial grid failures, extreme weather, or cyberattacks.
Selected Companies and Host Bases
Industry reports and public statements confirm that the Air Force has paired three commercial nuclear technology vendors with specific military bases for the pilot program. The selected companies are tasked with siting, licensing, constructing, and eventually operating the microreactors.
Antares Nuclear at Joint Base San Antonio
According to the San Antonio Express-News, California-based Antares Nuclear has been selected to develop a prototype microreactor at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) in Texas. The company plans to build a sodium heat pipe-cooled microreactor capable of generating between 100 kilowatts and 1 megawatt of electricity. Designed to operate for years without refueling, the system is compact enough to be transported by truck or aircraft.
Radiant Industries at Buckley Space Force Base
As announced in a company press release published by Morningstar, Radiant Industries will deploy its Kaleidos microreactor at Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, Colorado. The Kaleidos unit is a 1-megawatt failsafe reactor designed for portability and zero-emissions operation. Radiant aims to deliver its first reactors by 2028, following testing at the Idaho National Laboratory.
Westinghouse at Malmstrom Air Force Base
Reporting from World Nuclear News confirms that Westinghouse Government Services has been tapped to provide a microreactor for Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana. Like the other selected sites, Malmstrom was chosen following extensive environmental and logistical analyses, prioritizing locations with critical mission requirements and suitable land availability.
The Strategic Push for Energy Resilience
The Department of Defense has increasingly prioritized energy independence for its remote and critical installations. Microreactors, which typically generate under 20 megawatts of power, offer a factory-built, transportable alternative to traditional large-scale nuclear plants. They can operate entirely independent of the local electric grid.
The ANPI program builds on previous Department of Defense initiatives, such as Project Pele, which focused on mobile microreactors. However, ANPI specifically targets fixed installations, allowing commercial vendors to own and operate the reactors while the military purchases the reliable power.
In a public statement regarding the ANPI initiative cited by the San Antonio Report, Michael Borders, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment, emphasized the strategic necessity of the program.
“By integrating advanced nuclear technology… we are guaranteeing that our most critical national security missions will never be held at risk by a power outage,” Borders stated.
The Air Force anticipates that these microreactors will be fully installed and operational by 2030 or earlier, pending successful environmental reviews and licensing approvals from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
AirPro News analysis
The Air Force’s selection of Antares, Radiant, and Westinghouse represents a pivotal transition from theoretical research to practical deployment of next-generation nuclear technology. As military installations face escalating power demands from advanced computing, electrification, and continuous global operations, reliance on aging civilian power grids poses a significant vulnerability. By championing the ANPI program, the Pentagon is not only securing its own infrastructure but also acting as a crucial early adopter for the commercial microreactor industry. This federal backing could accelerate the regulatory and manufacturing pathways needed to make microreactors viable for civilian applications, such as powering remote communities, disaster relief efforts, or energy-intensive data centers. We view this as a strong indicator that the regulatory hurdles historically associated with nuclear energy are being streamlined for national security priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a nuclear microreactor?
A microreactor is a small, factory-built nuclear fission reactor designed to be easily transportable by truck, rail, or aircraft. They typically generate between 1 and 20 megawatts of electricity and can operate for years without needing to be refueled, making them ideal for remote or off-grid locations.
When will the Air Force microreactors be operational?
The Department of the Air Force expects the microreactors at Joint Base San Antonio, Buckley Space Force Base, and Malmstrom Air Force Base to be deployed and operational by 2030 or earlier.
Who will own and operate the reactors?
Under the Advanced Nuclear Power for Installations (ANPI) program, the microreactors will be contractor-owned and operated. The selected commercial companies will handle the licensing, construction, daily operations, and eventual decommissioning of the units.
Sources: Bloomberg
Photo Credit: Antares Nuclear
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