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.
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Military Technology
Saab Demonstrates Autonomous BVR AI Agents on Gripen E
Saab unveiled in-house AI agents for autonomous BVR air combat on the Gripen E after two years of flight testing.
Saab AB has successfully demonstrated autonomous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air combat capabilities using proprietary artificial intelligence agents integrated into a Gripen E fighter aircraft. The Swedish aerospace manufacturer officially unveiled the in-house technology on November 3, 2026, following approximately two years of airborne testing.
In a press release issued today, Saab confirmed the flight trials mark a critical step toward developing collaborative combat aircraft networks, where crewed and uncrewed systems operate as a coordinated force. The milestone underscores the company’s strategy to maintain sovereign control over its technology stack rather than relying entirely on external software providers.
Sovereign AI development and the Sferical facility
Saab centralized its artificial intelligence development under the AI Fighter Pilot Academy (AIFPA), an infrastructure designed to create, train, and evaluate AI agents. The department driving this initiative, Saab Advanced Programs, features a workforce where 40 percent of the staff hold doctorate-level qualifications, according to Aviation International News.
Peter Nilsson, Head of Advanced Programs at Saab Aeronautics, emphasized the operational focus of the project.
“We have not only built our own AI agents, but we have also flown them. This demonstrates our capability to develop AI agents that can be integrated into operational fighter aircraft. The future of air combat will not be defined by individual platforms acting alone, but by networks of crewed and uncrewed systems working together as a coordinated force. Through our ownership of the entire technology stack, we are building the capabilities needed for that future.”
To support this development, Saab recently implemented the Sferical AI facility in Linköping, Sweden. Part-owned by Saab, Ericsson, and AstraZeneca, the sovereign computing asset utilizes Nvidia’s DGX SuperPOD architecture. Aviation International News reported that the facility is powered by 1,152 Nvidia Grace Blackwell GB300 graphics processing units. This computing power allows Saab to run a one-hour flight test simulation one billion times in the same period, compared to just 1,200 times in a traditional central processing unit environment.
Speaking to Breaking Defense, Nilsson outlined the primary challenge facing the AIFPA following the successful flight trials.
“The harder question is how we turn this success into a dependable capability that can learn, improve, and be relevant over time… that is the true purpose of the AI Fighter Pilot Academy.”
Gripen E architecture and testing timeline
Saab, which employs approximately 31,000 people globally, utilized the Gripen E as the primary testbed for its AI agents. The aircraft features a software-defined architecture that segregates mission software from flight-critical functions. This separation enables the rapid integration and testing of new technologies without requiring dedicated experimental platforms or compromising safety of flight.
Prior to unveiling its in-house agents, Saab collaborated with third-party developers to validate the aircraft’s autonomous potential. On May 28, 2025, a Gripen E trials aircraft flew for the first time with the Centaur AI agent developed by Helsing, demonstrating initial BVR air combat capabilities.
Following these third-party trials, Saab transitioned to testing its proprietary agents. The company briefed journalists on the readiness of its in-house AI agents for operational deployment on October 30, 2026, before the official public unveiling on November 3, 2026.
Collaborative combat and future integration
The integration of artificial intelligence into combat aircraft aligns with a broader industry shift toward Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) concepts. Defence contractors globally are developing networks where crewed fighters command uncrewed loyal wingman platforms.
Saab is actively testing the sensor networks required for these collaborative operations. On October 28, 2026, Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) successfully flight-tested an unmanned airborne early warning (AEW) capability, integrating Saab’s LoyalEye radar with an MQ-9B unmanned UAV.
Looking ahead, Saab anticipates that the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Swedish Air Force will absorb these AI agents into real-world operations within months or single digits of years, according to Aviation International News. In the interim, Saab plans to expand the capabilities of its agents by flying them in a broader range of scenarios, establishing the foundation for future uncrewed platforms.
AirPro News analysis
Saab’s insistence on sovereign, in-house artificial intelligence development contrasts with competitors who heavily outsource to commercial technology firms. By owning the entire technology stack, Saab positions itself to offer highly secure, exportable AI packages free from third-party licensing bottlenecks or foreign regulatory hurdles. The massive investment in the Sferical AI facility indicates we are seeing a shift from experimental AI flight tests to industrialized, mass-scale tactical training for autonomous systems. If Saab can deliver on its timeline for Swedish Air Forces integration, the Gripen E could become one of the first Western fighters to field operational, combat-ready AI agents in frontline service.
Defense & Military
Greece Orders Up to Six Embraer KC-390 Millennium Aircraft
Greece signed a government-to-government deal with Portugal for up to six KC-390 Millennium aircraft, with first delivery in 2027.
The Hellenic Ministry of National Defense has signed a government-to-government agreement with Portugal to acquire up to six Embraer KC-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft, making Greece the seventh European nation to select the Brazilian-built tactical airlifter.
Announced by Embraer in a press release on November 2, 2026, the contract includes three firm orders and options for three additional aircraft, with the first delivery to the Hellenic Air Force scheduled for 2027. The acquisition aims to modernize Greece’s airlift and air-to-air refueling capabilities while enhancing interoperability with allied North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces.
Expanding the European footprint
The procurement is structured as a bilateral agreement between the governments of Greece and Portugal. By selecting the KC-390 Millennium, Greece joins a growing list of NATO and European Union member states transitioning to the jet-powered transport to replace legacy turboprop fleets.
Embraer views the Greek acquisition as a validation of the aircraft’s utility within the European defense architecture, where interoperability and multi-role flexibility are primary requirements for fleet modernization.
“We are honored by Greece’s decision to acquire the KC-390 Millennium. This choice underscores the trust and confidence that leading NATO members place in our aircraft,” Bosco Da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said in the company statement. “This very important milestone further solidifies the aircraft’s position as a preferred solution for military airlift among NATO allies.”
Da Costa Junior added that the aircraft’s proven performance, reliability, and cost efficiency make it an ideal choice for nations seeking to enhance their operational capabilities.
The KC-390’s development and market position
The Embraer C-390 and KC-390 Millennium is a medium-size, twin-engine jet-powered military transport aircraft designed to perform aerial refueling, troop transport, and cargo airlift. Development of the platform began in the mid-2000s. The Brazilian Air Force formally joined the project in 2009 by awarding a development contract to Embraer, a manufacturer with over 55 years of history and more than 9,000 aircraft delivered worldwide.
The aircraft completed its maiden flight in 2015, achieved civil certification in 2018, and entered military operational service in September 2019. It was developed specifically as a modern, jet-powered alternative to legacy turboprop tactical transports like the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
Greece is the seventh European nation to select the aircraft, joining Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Sweden. Outside of Europe, the aircraft has been acquired by the air forces of Brazil, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Colombia.
The program has seen significant momentum in recent months. On July 8, 2026, the Czech Air Force received its first C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, which featured a special three-tone gray camouflage designed by the Military History Institute in Prague. Shortly after, on July 23, 2026, Colombia signed a contract for two KC-390 Millennium transports, with one configured as a tanker to support its incoming Gripen fighter fleet.
AirPro News analysis
Embraer’s success in Europe with the KC-390 Millennium highlights a definitive shift in the tactical airlift market. For decades, the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules dominated this space. The KC-390’s jet-powered speed, payload capacity, and multi-mission flexibility have proven highly attractive to medium-sized NATO air forces looking to modernize. Securing Greece, a nation with stringent defense requirements and a focus on regional interoperability, validates Embraer’s strategy of leveraging early European adopters like Portugal to facilitate government-to-government sales. We expect this momentum to place increasing pressure on competing legacy platforms in upcoming recapitalization bids across the globe.
Defense & Military
US Army HADES Prototype ME-11B Completes First Flight
The U.S. Army’s first HADES prototype, a modified Bombardier Global 6500, completed its maiden flight on September 11, 2026.
The U.S. Army’s first High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) prototype completed its maiden flight on September 11, 2026, marking a critical milestone in the service’s transition from legacy turboprops to high-altitude jet intelligence platforms.
In a press release issued on October 30, 2026, the U.S. Army confirmed the flight followed extensive structural modifications by lead systems integrator Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) to convert a Bombardier Global 6500 business jet into a military sensor platform. The program aims to provide commanders with deep sensing capabilities to operate effectively in contested environments against advanced anti-access and area denial (A2/AD) threats.
Transitioning to deep sensing capabilities
The maiden flight represents the transition of the HADES program from the structural modification phase into mission system integration and developmental flight testing. Prior to the September 11 flight, engineers and test pilots completed structural modifications, installed mission system hardware, and conducted preliminary baseline airworthiness verification at SNC facilities, likely in Hagerstown, Maryland.
The U.S. Army is actively divesting its legacy turboprop intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) fleet, which includes platforms such as the RC-12X Guardrail and MC-12S EMARSS. These older aircraft are being replaced by high-altitude jets capable of operating further from advanced A2/AD threats. Business jets like the Bombardier Global 6500 offer operational altitudes exceeding 50,000 feet and speeds around Mach 0.9, allowing onboard sensors to achieve greater line-of-sight over the horizon compared to lower-flying turboprops.
Lt. Col. (P) James Hickey, Project Manager for the U.S. Army Fixed Wing Project Office, emphasized the operational necessity of the new platform.
“The first flight of HADES Prototype 1 transitions our vision for deep sensing from concept to reality. Deep sensing is critical to maintaining decision advantage in the future fight. HADES will help commanders see farther, understand faster, and act with greater precision across the multi-domain battlefield.”
Program timeline and fleet development
The HADES platform is a core component of the Army’s broader Multi-Domain Sensing System (MDSS) initiative. The U.S. Army Fixed Wing Project Office, alongside the Project Director Sensors–Aerial Intelligence, manages the procurement and lifecycle of the asset.
Sierra Nevada Corporation was awarded the lead systems integrator contract for the HADES program in August 2024, a deal with a reported ceiling value of $991.3 million. The contract faced a brief suspension due to a protest by competitor L3Harris before proceeding. Bombardier subsequently delivered the first Global 6500 airframe to the U.S. Army in Wichita, Kansas, on November 25, 2024.
The U.S. Army officially designated the militarized Global 6500 as the ME-11B in early 2025. Fleet expansion has continued steadily since the initial delivery. On January 13, 2026, SNC announced the acquisition of a fourth Global 6500, intended to serve as the first non-prototype aircraft in the operational fleet.
Despite the hardware progress, the final acquisition objective for the HADES fleet remains unconfirmed by the U.S. Army. A January 2026 Request for Information outlined a fleet of 11 aircraft with an objective of 14. However, defense media reports from May 2025 indicated the Army might reduce the planned fleet to six aircraft due to budget realignments. The service has not publicly clarified the final fleet size in its recent communications.
Next steps in developmental testing
With the initial flight complete, the Army and SNC will spend late 2026 and 2027 integrating and testing HADES mission systems through a comprehensive developmental flight test program. This phase is designed to validate the aircraft’s multi-domain sensing and signals intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities.
The developmental testing will determine the effectiveness and operational readiness of the integrated systems ahead of formal operational demonstrations. Hickey noted that the achievement reflects the technical precision of military, civilian, and industry partners working to deliver transformational capabilities to the joint force.
AirPro News analysis
The successful first flight of the HADES prototype underscores a structural shift in military airborne ISR procurement. By selecting commercial business jets over bespoke military airframes or traditional turboprops, the U.S. Army is prioritizing altitude, speed, and payload capacity to counter modern A2/AD networks. This mirrors the U.S. Air Force’s approach with the E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) fleet, which also utilizes a Bombardier Global airframe. The strategy allows the military to leverage billions of dollars in commercial aviation research and development, reducing both unit costs and development timelines.
However, the unresolved questions surrounding the final acquisition objective highlight the ongoing tension between ambitious multi-domain operational requirements and constrained defense budgets. If the fleet is ultimately capped at six aircraft rather than the originally envisioned 14, the Army will need to carefully manage deployment cycles and maintenance schedules to maintain persistent deep sensing coverage in key theaters like the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Europe. A smaller fleet size would place a premium on the reliability and mission capable rates of the ME-11B platform.
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