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
NSPA Issues RFP for NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Program
NSPA formally launches the NGRC Concept Design RFP, with four manufacturers competing for a six-nation helicopter replacement program.
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has formally issued a Request for Proposal for the Concept Design phase of the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability program, advancing a six-nation effort to replace aging medium multi-role Helicopters fleets.
Announced in a press release on August 10, 2026, the procurement targets a service entry between 2035 and 2040. The NSPA is managing the process on behalf of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Four pre-qualified Manufacturers will compete in this phase: Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters, The Boeing Company, and Sikorsky.
Advancing the concept design phase
The Request for Proposal (RFP) officially opened on July 31, 2026, and requires the four bidders to submit their concept design proposals by August 31, 2027, at 12:00 Paris Time. Under the procurement guidelines, each manufacturer can propose a maximum of two concept design solutions.
Maxime Martinez, Principal Procurement Officer for the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) Programme at NSPA, confirmed the launch of the new phase.
I am pleased to announce that the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has launched the next phase of the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) Programme: a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) to qualified bidders linked to the competition for the Concept Design phase of NGRC.
The NSPA is utilizing a procurement mechanism called Acquisition by Qualified Options. This framework allows the participating nations to evaluate digital trials within an in-house modeling and simulation environment before committing to physical prototypes. The agency plans to complete the bid evaluation process by the end of 2027, at which point it will deliver an evaluation summary report to the participating nations.
Industry positioning and proposals
The four pre-qualified bidders, selected following a Pre-Qualification Assessment that closed in October 2025, have already begun positioning their offerings for the multi-national replacement program.
In February 2026, Airbus Helicopters revealed two distinct concepts for the NGRC study. The European manufacturer is developing both a high-performance conventional helicopter and a high-speed compound rotorcraft that leverages technology from its Racer demonstrator program. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, announced in July 2026 that it would establish helicopter production facilities in Europe if the partner nations select its proposal.
The NSPA is encouraging broader industry participation through the primary bidders rather than direct submissions. Martinez stated that potential suppliers, technology providers, and industrial partners should engage directly with Airbus Helicopters, The Boeing Company, Leonardo Helicopters, or Sikorsky to contribute to the program.
AirPro News analysis
We view the NSPA decision to utilize the Acquisition by Qualified Options mechanism as a critical step in mitigating the technical and financial risks historically associated with clean-sheet rotorcraft development. By mandating digital trials in a simulated environment before advancing to physical prototypes, the participating nations can rigorously evaluate the aerodynamic and operational viability of complex designs, such as the compound concept proposed by Airbus Helicopters.
Sikorsky’s preemptive commitment to European production highlights the intense political and economic stakes of the NGRC program. With five European nations and Canada funding the development, North American bidders like Sikorsky and The Boeing Company will likely need to guarantee substantial industrial offsets and local manufacturing to remain competitive against indigenous European prime contractors like Airbus and Leonardo. The requirement for up to two concepts per bidder also provides the NSPA with a broad spectrum of conventional and advanced high-speed rotorcraft options to evaluate against the harmonized operational baseline.
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
HAL and Safran Sign Aravalli Engine Co-Development Contract
HAL and Safran finalize the Aravalli engine contract via SAFHAL JV to power India’s IMRH and DBMRH helicopters by 2032-2033.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines have finalized a contract to co-develop the new-generation Aravalli engine, marking a definitive shift in Indian aerospace manufacturing from licensed production to indigenous propulsion design.
The agreement, signed on August 26, 2026, in Bengaluru, India, formalizes the design, development, manufacture, and lifecycle support of the engine through SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. SAFHAL is a 50:50 joint venture between the two aerospace manufacturers. The Aravalli engine is slated to power India’s future 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
Technical specifications and manufacturing
The Aravalli engine will operate in the 3,500 to 4,000 shaft horsepower (shp) class. Under the terms of the agreement, HAL will gain access to core engine technologies, including the high-pressure compressor, power turbine, and accessory gearbox. This technology transfer is designed to build domestic intellectual property and expertise in high-power engine design.
Manufacturing operations for the Aravalli program will be based at HAL’s facility in Tumakuru, Karnataka. Safran Helicopter Engines Chief Executive Officer Cédric Goubet noted the precedent set by the agreement in a press release issued by HAL.
“This is the first time Safran HE has taken up such a class of engine as co-development. The Aravalli engine programme represents a new chapter in the strategic relationship between France and India, combining the expertise of our teams to develop propulsion systems for future Indian rotorcraft.”
Development timeline and strategic shift
The final contract follows a multi-year negotiation and planning phase. HAL and Safran initially signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the project in July 2022, followed by detailed workshare discussions at Aero India in February 2023. The companies executed an airframer contract on August 30, 2024, to commence joint design work.
The design and development phase is targeted for completion between 2032 and 2033. Once operational, the IMRH platform is intended to replace the Indian Air Force’s aging fleet of Mil Mi-17 Helicopters. HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K emphasized the domestic industrial impact of the program.
“The signing of this contract marks a significant step forward in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in aero-engine technologies. Through this collaborative programme with SAFHAL and Safran Helicopter Engines, we are creating a strong foundation for powering next-generation Indian helicopter platforms.”
AirPro News analysis
The Aravalli engine contract represents a critical maturation point for India’s defense aviation sector. Historically, Indian aerospace manufacturing has relied heavily on licensed production of foreign designs, which limits domestic engineering capability and intellectual property ownership. By securing a 50:50 co-development structure that includes core engine components like the high-pressure compressor and power turbine, we view this agreement as a foundational step toward true Propulsion independence for the Indian military. If the 2032 to 2033 development timeline holds, HAL will be positioned not just as an assembler, but as a primary original equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for high-power rotorcraft engines.
Sources: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Photo Credit: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Defense & Military
Raytheon Wins $603M Contract for B-52H Radar Modernization
Raytheon secures $603M USAF contract to produce the AN/APQ-188 AESA radar for the B-52H fleet under the B-52 Radar Modernization Program.
This is a developing story. Information may change as official details are released.
Raytheon has secured a $603,000,000 sole-source contract from the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to produce and sustain the new AN/APQ-188 radar for the Boeing B-52H Stratofortress fleet, advancing a critical modernization effort despite the recent loss of the program’s primary test aircraft.
The U.S. Department of Defense announced the indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract on August 25, 2026, following the official award on August 21, 2026. The agreement establishes the ceiling value for the production phase of the B-52 Radar Modernization Program (RMP). The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (FFO) in Ohio is the contracting activity, obligating $46,008,396 in fiscal 2026 aircraft procurement funds with the initial delivery order.
Upgrading the B-52 radar capabilities
The RMP replaces the bomber’s 1960s-era mechanically scanned AN/APQ-166 radar with the Raytheon AN/APQ-188, an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) system. The new Radar-Systems is a derivative of the AN/APG-79 used on the F/A-18 and forms a cornerstone of the broader B-52J upgrade package designed to keep the fleet operational into the 2050s.
According to the Department of Defense, Raytheon will perform the contract work across multiple facilities, including Forrest, Mississippi; El Segundo, California; McKinney, Texas; and Warner Robins, Georgia. The contract is expected to be completed by August 20, 2031.
Program continuity following testbed loss
The production contract award follows a major setback for the RMP during the flight testing phase. On June 15, 2026, the sole B-52 radar testbed aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base (EDW) in California. The USAF confirmed the accident resulted in the deaths of all eight crew members on board, which included military personnel, government civilians, and contractors. The official cause of the accident remains under Investigation by the USAF.
Despite the loss of the initial testbed, military officials have confirmed the modernization program will proceed. According to reporting by DefenseScoop, Col. Spencer Turner, the B-52 System Program Manager, stated that the original acquisition strategy always included two test aircraft.
Turner confirmed that work on the second aircraft is actively underway at The Boeing Company facility in San Antonio, Texas. He noted that the service expects to “complete the full modification and put the full radar suite onto the aircraft this year and proceed with testing.” Following the June 15, 2026 accident, the active USAF fleet stands at 75 B-52H bombers.
AirPro News analysis
The decision to award a $603,000,000 production contract just two months after the loss of the primary testbed underscores the firm commitment of the USAF to the B-52J upgrade timeline. Because the AN/APQ-188 is heavily derived from an existing, mature AESA system, the service likely views the radar technology itself as low-risk, separating the radar’s production readiness from the ongoing investigation into the June 15 accident. We note that delaying the production contract until a second testbed completes flight trials would have likely pushed the B-52J initial operational capability timeline to the right, a delay the USAF appears unwilling to accept as it plans to operate the airframe for another three decades.
Sources: U.S. Department of Defense
Photo Credit: US Air Force
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