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.
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.
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 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’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.
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.
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.
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.
Question: What is the main goal of the PsiQuantum and Lockheed Martin collaboration? Question: What makes PsiQuantum’s approach to quantum computing unique? Question: Why is “fault-tolerant” quantum computing so important for this collaboration?
PsiQuantum and Lockheed Martin Forge Alliance to Pioneer Quantum Computing in Aerospace and Defense
A Strategic Synergy of Innovation and Industry Leadership
PsiQuantum: The Architect of Fault-Tolerant Quantum Systems
Lockheed Martin: Defining the Mission for Quantum Technology
Unlocking a New Era of Aerospace and Defense Capabilities
From Secure Communications to Advanced Vehicle Design
Concluding Section: Charting the Course for a Quantum-Powered Future
FAQ
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.
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.
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
Bolivian Air Force C-130 Crashes at El Alto Airport Killing 15
A Bolivian Air Force C-130 cargo plane crashed at El Alto Airport, causing 15 deaths, 30 injuries, and scattering banknotes. Investigation ongoing.
This article summarizes reporting by Hindustan Times.
A Bolivian Air Force Hercules C-130 cargo aircraft crashed Friday evening while attempting to land at El Alto International Airport near La Paz, resulting in significant loss of life and chaotic scenes on the ground. According to reporting by the Hindustan Times, at least 15 people have been confirmed dead and 30 others injured in the incident, which occurred on February 27, 2026.
The tragedy was compounded by the nature of the aircraft’s cargo. The plane was transporting a shipment of newly printed banknotes for the Central Bank of Bolivia. The impact caused the fuselage to break apart, scattering cash across the crash site and a neighboring avenue, leading to a rush of bystanders attempting to collect the money amidst the wreckage.
The crash took place at approximately 6:00 PM local time. The aircraft, operated by the Fuerza Aérea Boliviana, had originated from Santa Cruz and was in its final landing phase at El Alto International Airport (LPB). Reports indicate that the plane veered off the runway, crashed through the airport’s perimeter fence, and collided with vehicles on a busy adjacent road.
According to verified details summarized in reports, inclement weather may have played a role in the pilot losing control. The aircraft struck multiple vehicles, destroying several cars and damaging trucks, which contributed to the high casualty count. Fire Chief Pavel Tovar confirmed the fatalities but noted the difficulty in distinguishing between victims who were on board the aircraft and those in vehicles struck on the ground.
The immediate aftermath of the crash was marked by unusual complications due to the scattered cargo. As the C-130 broke apart, the shipment of banknotes intended for the Central Bank of Bolivia spilled onto the roadway. Social media footage and news reports described chaotic scenes as members of the public rushed toward the burning wreckage to gather the loose cash.
Security forces were required to intervene to secure the site for emergency responders. Police and military personnel reportedly utilized tear gas and water hoses to disperse the crowds, allowing ambulances and fire crews to reach the injured. The 30 injured individuals were subsequently transported to local hospitals for treatment.
“Authorities have confirmed at least 15 fatalities and approximately 30 injuries.”
, Summary of verified reports
Following the incident, Boliviana de Aviación (BoA), the national airline, issued a clarification stating that the aircraft involved was a military transport and not part of their commercial fleet. The Bolivian Ministry of Defense and the Air Force have launched an official investigation to determine the precise cause of the accident.
The following is analysis by AirPro News.
El Alto International Airport presents unique challenges for aviation operations due to its extreme elevation. Situated at approximately 4,061 meters (13,325 feet) above sea level, it is one of the highest international airports in the world. At this altitude, the air density is significantly lower than at sea level, which reduces engine performance and lift.
For heavy transport aircraft like the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, these conditions necessitate higher landing speeds and longer runway distances. When combined with inclement weather, as reported in this incident, the margin for error during the landing phase is drastically reduced. While the C-130 is a robust tactical airlifter designed for rugged environments, the specific aerodynamic limitations imposed by El Alto’s “hot and high” conditions remain a critical factor in aviation safety in the region.
The Bolivian Air Force has suffered losses involving its C-130 fleet in previous decades. Historical data indicates a crash in 1989 in Guayaramerín that resulted in 24 fatalities, and another hull loss in Trinidad in 1994. This latest incident marks a significant tragedy for the military aviation sector in Bolivia, further complicated by the civilian casualties on the ground.
El Alto International Airport was temporarily closed following the crash, with commercial flights suspended or diverted while authorities cleared the wreckage and conducted their preliminary investigation.
15 Dead, 30 Injured After Bolivian Air Force C-130 Crashes in El Alto
Incident Overview and Flight Path
Scene Chaos and Security Response
Official Statements and Context
AirPro News Analysis: High-Altitude Operations
Historical Safety Context
Sources
Photo Credit: X
Defense & Military
Retired US Air Force Pilot Arrested for Training Chinese Military Aviators
Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., a retired US Air Force Major, was arrested for allegedly training Chinese military pilots without authorization, violating export laws.
This article summarizes reporting by Fox News and official statements from the Department of Justice.
Federal authorities have arrested a retired U.S. Air Force Major on charges of conspiring to provide unauthorized military training to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in China. The arrest of 65-year-old Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., announced on February 25, 2026, marks the latest development in a broader federal crackdown on Western military personnel selling their expertise to foreign adversaries.
According to reporting by Fox News and unsealed court documents, Brown was taken into custody in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Prosecutors allege that Brown, a former F-35 simulator instructor, violated the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) by sharing sensitive U.S. military tactics with Chinese pilots without the required export license from the State Department.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) claims Brown’s activities were facilitated by intermediaries connected to Stephen Su Bin, a convicted Chinese hacker known for targeting U.S. defense contractors. If convicted, Brown faces significant prison time for allegedly betraying the oath he took as an American servicemember.
The criminal complaint details a timeline of events beginning in August 2023, when Brown allegedly began communicating with Chinese contacts. According to federal prosecutors, Brown traveled to China in December 2023 and remained there until February 2026, allegedly providing instruction on combat aircraft operations.
Under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), providing “defense services”, which includes training foreign military personnel, requires explicit authorization. The DOJ alleges Brown neither sought nor received such a license. Upon his arrival in China, prosecutors claim Brown expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity in seized communications:
“Now… I have the chance to fly and instruct fighter pilots again!”
Alleged message from Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., cited by the Department of Justice
The government alleges that on his very first day in China, Brown spent hours answering technical questions about U.S. Air Force operations. He subsequently provided personal briefings and ongoing instruction to PLAAF personnel throughout his stay. A critical element of the government’s case is Brown’s alleged association with Stephen Su Bin. Su Bin is a Chinese national who was convicted in the United States in 2016 for conspiring to hack major defense contractors, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin, to steal designs for the F-22, F-35, and C-17 aircraft.
According to the charges, Brown negotiated his employment through a network linked to Su Bin. This connection suggests a coordinated effort by Chinese state actors to acquire U.S. military knowledge through both cyber espionage and the recruitment of human assets.
Brown, who utilized the call sign “Runner,” served 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 1996 with the rank of Major. His service record includes commanding nuclear weapons delivery units and flying combat missions. He served as an instructor for multiple airframes, including the F-4, F-15, F-16, and A-10.
However, it is his post-military career that has likely drawn the most scrutiny from counterintelligence officials. After retiring, Brown worked as a contract simulator instructor for the F-35 Lightning II, the United States’ most advanced stealth fighter. Knowledge regarding the F-35’s operational limits, sensor fusion capabilities, and tactics is considered highly classified and extremely valuable to near-peer adversaries like China.
Federal officials have condemned the alleged actions as a betrayal of national security. In a statement released following the arrest, John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, emphasized the gravity of the charges.
“The United States Air Force trained Major Brown to be an elite fighter pilot and entrusted him with the defense of our Nation. He now stands charged with training Chinese military pilots…”
John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security
Roman Rozhavsky, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division, echoed these sentiments, noting the persistent efforts by the Chinese government to exploit U.S. military expertise.
“Gerald Brown… allegedly betrayed his country by training Chinese pilots to fight against those he swore to protect.”
Roman Rozhavsky, FBI Assistant Director
The arrest of Gerald Brown is not an isolated incident but part of a documented trend where the Chinese military aggressively recruits former Western pilots to fast-track their own capabilities. By hiring experienced instructors, the PLAAF seeks to understand Western tactics and carrier operations without the decades of institutional learning usually required.
This case draws parallels to that of Daniel Duggan, a former U.S. Marine Corps pilot arrested in Australia in 2022. Duggan is currently fighting extradition to the U.S. on charges that he trained Chinese pilots to land on aircraft carriers. In response to these threats, NATO allies, including the UK and Australia, have recently issued joint warnings about Chinese headhunting firms targeting former military personnel with lucrative contracts.
The specific mention of the F-35 in Brown’s background makes this case particularly sensitive. While previous cases often involved older platforms or general carrier operations, the potential transfer of knowledge regarding fifth-generation stealth tactics represents a severe breach of operational security.
Sources: Fox News, Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Former U.S. Air Forces Pilot Arrested for Allegedly Training Chinese Military Aviators
The Allegations: “Defense Services” for the PLAAF
The Su Bin Connection
Military Background and F-35 Sensitivity
Official Reactions
AirPro News Analysis: A Pattern of Recruitment
Timeline of Events
Photo Credit: Montage
Defense Contracts
Leonardo Reports Double-Digit Growth and Halves Net Debt in FY 2025
Leonardo S.p.A. achieved double-digit growth in orders, revenues, and EBITA for FY 2025 while reducing net debt to €1.0 billion and advancing strategic initiatives.
This article is based on an official press release from Leonardo S.p.A..
On February 25, 2026, Italian defense and aerospace conglomerate Leonardo S.p.A. released its preliminary financial results for the fiscal year 2025, reporting performance that exceeded both company guidance and market expectations. The company achieved double-digit growth across all primary metrics, including new orders, revenues, and profitability, while successfully reducing its net debt by nearly 45%.
According to the official release, the company’s “One Company” transformation strategy has begun to yield significant financial efficiencies. CEO Roberto Cingolani highlighted the results as a validation of the industrial plan launched three years prior, noting that the group has strengthened its financial position ahead of potential strategic moves in 2026.
Leonardo reported €23.8 billion in new orders for FY 2025, a 14.5% increase over the previous year and well above the guidance range of €22.3–22.8 billion. This surge in orders has pushed the company’s total backlog to €46.6 billion, providing approximately 2.4 years of revenue visibility.
Revenues climbed to €19.5 billion, marking a 10.9% year-over-year increase. Profitability also improved significantly, with Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, and Amortization (EBITA) reaching €1.75 billion, an 18.2% rise compared to 2024. The company noted that these growth figures are “like-for-like,” excluding the contribution of the Underwater Armaments & Systems business, which was divested to Fincantieri earlier in 2025.
Perhaps the most notable metric for investors was the reduction in Group Net Debt. Leonardo lowered its debt burden to €1.0 billion, down from €1.8 billion in 2024. This reduction was driven by strong Free Operating Cash Flow (FOCF) of €1.0 billion, which beat the upper end of the company’s €980 million guidance.
“We exceeded the challenging guidance, which had been already upgraded during the year. Such a performance represents the completion of the value-accretion path launched three years ago… fully enabling the Leonardo ‘One Company’ model.”
— Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Leonardo S.p.A.
The press release detailed growth across all main business sectors, with Aeronautics emerging as a standout performer regarding order intake. The Aeronautics division secured €5.8 billion in new orders, a 55% increase year-over-year. The company attributed this spike to a major logistics support contract in Kuwait and accelerating activity in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Additionally, the Aerostructures sub-unit, historically a drag on profitability, was reported to have “narrowed its losses” amid recovering demand for commercial fuselages from Boeing and Airbus.
Electronics remains the largest segment by revenue, contributing €8.35 billion. The division maintained the highest Return on Sales (ROS) at 12.9%. Meanwhile, the Cyber & Security Solutions division recorded the sharpest improvement in profitability, with EBITA jumping 63.3% to €80 million and margins hitting 10%.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, Leonardo management outlined several key strategic initiatives. CEO Cingolani confirmed that the company is in advanced negotiations to establish a Joint Venture for its Aerostructures unit. Leonardo expects to finalize the deal by June 2026, initially retaining a 50% stake in the new entity.
Furthermore, the company is currently reviewing its 22.8% stake in German defense electronics firm Hensoldt. Management indicated that discussions are underway regarding a potential reduction in this holding to facilitate an increased position by the German government, with a decision expected before the summer.
Despite the operational “beat” across all metrics, Leonardo’s stock (LDO.MI) closed down approximately 2.7% on the day of the announcement, trading around €58.69. In our view, this reaction reflects a classic “buy the rumor, sell the news” dynamic. The stock had rallied significantly in the months leading up to the release, trading near 52-week highs.
While the immediate market reaction was negative, the fundamental improvements in cash flow and debt reduction place Leonardo in a robust position. The reduction of net debt to €1.0 billion significantly increases the company’s firepower for potential M&A activity or increased shareholder returns, such as the potential 20% dividend increase hinted at by leadership.
Sources: Leonardo S.p.A. Press Release, Borsa Italiana Market Data
Leonardo S.p.A. Reports Double-Digit Growth in FY 2025, Halves Net Debt
Financial Performance vs. Guidance
Segment Highlights
Aeronautics and Aerostructures
Electronics and Cyber Security
Strategic Outlook: Joint Ventures and Divestments
AirPro News Analysis: Market Reaction
Sources
Photo Credit: Leonardo
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