Defense & Military
Lockheed Martin and Xanadu Advance Quantum Machine Learning for Defense
Lockheed Martin and Xanadu collaborate to enhance Quantum Machine Learning using photonic quantum hardware and Fourier-based operations for defense applications.
This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin and Xanadu.
On February 26, 2026, Lockheed Martin and Canadian quantum computing leader Xanadu announced a strategic research initiative aimed at advancing the foundational theory and application of Quantum Machine Learning (QML). The collaboration seeks to leverage quantum capabilities to improve generative models, potentially solving critical data scarcity issues in the defense and aerospace sectors.
According to the joint announcement, the partnership will focus on utilizing Xanadu’s photonic quantum hardware to perform Fourier-based operations. These operations are expected to allow quantum computers to learn complex data distributions more efficiently than classical systems, providing what the companies describe as a “decisive computational edge” for both defense and civilian users.
The core technical objective of this initiative is to overcome the limitations of classical artificial intelligence, particularly when high-quality training data is limited or expensive to acquire. Classical generative AI models often require massive datasets to function effectively, a luxury not always available in high-stakes defense scenarios involving rare system failures or emerging threat signatures.
The research centers on the use of Fourier-based operations, a mathematical approach that decomposes signals into frequencies. While classical computers can perform these tasks, quantum computers are theoretically capable of executing Fourier transforms exponentially faster. By applying this advantage to generative models, the partnership aims to create systems that can generate realistic synthetic data or “fill in the blanks” for incomplete datasets.
Christian Weedbrook, CEO of Xanadu, emphasized the foundational nature of this research in the official announcement:
“This work is about rethinking the foundations of how quantum computers can learn… By revisiting core quantum primitives, we hope to uncover entirely new ways of representing and processing data.”
Xanadu’s approach utilizes photonic (light-based) qubits, which are particularly well-suited for continuous-variable quantum computing. This modality maps naturally to the mathematics used in neural networks. The collaboration will leverage PennyLane, Xanadu’s open-source software library, to train quantum circuits similarly to how neural networks are trained in classical machine learning.
This partnership aligns with Lockheed Martin’s broader “21st Century Security” strategy, which emphasizes a multi-vendor approach to emerging technologies. By collaborating with various leaders in the quantum space, the aerospace giant aims to integrate cutting-edge capabilities into mission-focused tools for sensing, navigation, and decision-making. According to recent industry reports, Lockheed Martin has been actively expanding its quantum portfolio leading up to this 2026 announcement. In November 2025, the company partnered with PsiQuantum to develop fault-tolerant algorithms for aerospace simulations. More recently, in February 2026, Lockheed signed a memorandum of understanding with Fujitsu to accelerate dual-use technologies.
Dani Couger, Lockheed Martin’s Quantum Technologies Lead, highlighted the national security implications of the new partnership with Xanadu:
“This collaboration… pushes the frontiers of QML and deepens our understanding of how future quantum systems may support national security and advanced technology development.”
Xanadu enters this partnership following significant technical achievements. In June 2025, researchers from the company published a breakthrough in Nature demonstrating the generation of error-resistant photonic qubits (GKP states) on a chip. This development was a critical step toward proving the scalability of their approach for complex QML tasks.
While the immediate focus of this partnership is on defense applications, the implications of successful quantum generative models extend significantly into the civilian sector. In the pharmaceutical industry, similar models could theoretically generate valid molecular structures for drug discovery without the need to physically synthesize every candidate. In finance, they could create realistic market simulations to stress-test portfolios against rare “black swan” events. However, the timeline for deploying these capabilities remains dependent on the continued scaling of fault-tolerant quantum hardware.
Sources: Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin and Xanadu Partner to Redefine Quantum Machine Learning for Defense
Advancing Generative AI with Quantum Hardware
The Fourier Advantage
Photonic Integration
Strategic Context and Industry Impact
Lockheed Martin’s Quantum Ecosystem
Xanadu’s Technical Milestones
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Xanadu
Defense & Military
Lockheed Martin Launches Dominance in the Skies Campaign with Vectis Drone
Lockheed Martin unveils its Dominance in the Skies campaign introducing the Vectis™ drone, Project Overwatch AI, and F-22 Raptor 2.0 upgrades.
This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin.
Lockheed Martin has officially launched its “Dominance in the Skies” campaign, a strategic initiative that shifts the focus from individual aircraft performance to a fully integrated “family of systems.” Released on February 26, 2026, the campaign outlines a comprehensive roadmap for the future of air combat, emphasizing the connectivity between manned fighters, unmanned systems, and artificial intelligence.
According to the company’s announcement, the core objective is “Mission Dominance,” a state where legacy platforms and next-generation technologies operate as a single, cohesive force. The release highlights the introduction of the Vectis™ Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and the integration of Project Overwatch AI into the F-35 fleet as pivotal steps toward this goal.
The campaign introduces two significant technological advancements designed to bridge the gap between current capabilities and future requirements.
Lockheed Martin has provided detailed specifications for its new “Group 5” unmanned system, the Vectis™ CCA. Designed to operate alongside the F-35 and F-22, the aircraft features a stealthy, tailless “lambda wing” configuration intended to maximize survivability in contested environments.
According to the campaign materials, the Vectis™ is scheduled for its first flight in 2027, with Initial Operating Capability (IOC) expected around 2029. Key performance metrics released by the company include:
The drone will be managed via MDCX™, a common control system that allows pilots in manned fighters to task the unmanned aircraft with intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, or strike missions.
The second major revelation is Project Overwatch, an AI-enhanced Combat Identification capability now integrated into the F-35’s sensor fusion system. Lockheed Martin reports that this technology was successfully flight-tested at Nellis Air Force Base earlier this month.
The system is designed to resolve ambiguities between enemy emitters, such as radar and communications signals, in real-time. By automating the identification process, the AI aims to drastically reduce the time required for pilots to target threats. “6th Generation technology brought to a 5th Generation platform.”
, Lockheed Martin, describing Project Overwatch
The “Dominance in the Skies” campaign delineates specific roles for existing aircraft within this new networked architecture. The strategy relies on Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) principles to connect assets across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains.
The F-22 Raptor is receiving a significant sustainment package referred to as “Raptor 2.0.” According to the release, these upgrades include stealthy external fuel tanks and Advanced Sensor Pods (IRST) for long-range infrared detection. Squadron deliveries for these upgraded configurations are set to begin in March 2026.
Meanwhile, the F-35 Lightning II is designated as “The Quarterback” of the fleet. Equipped with Project Overwatch, it serves as the central data hub, processing threat data and distributing it to other assets.
The F-16 Block 70/72 is positioned to provide “Capacity & Mass.” While it lacks the stealth of fifth-generation fighters, it is networked to receive targeting data from F-35s and F-22s, allowing it to engage threats without activating its own radar. Supporting these operations is the C-130J Super Hercules, labeled “The Enabler,” which supports over 20 mission sets including the logistics required for agile combat employment.
The “Dominance in the Skies” campaign signals a definitive move from concept to production for the “loyal wingman” model. For years, the industry has discussed the theoretical benefits of manned-unmanned teaming; the specific timeline for the Vectis™ CCA, with a first flight in 2027, suggests that Lockheed Martin is confident in the maturity of the underlying technology.
Furthermore, the “Raptor 2.0” upgrades indicate a shift in strategy regarding the F-22. Rather than retiring the airframe solely in favor of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, the Air Force and Lockheed Martin appear focused on extending the Raptor’s relevance well into the 2030s through sensor and range enhancements. This approach likely aims to bridge the capability gap while next-generation platforms continue development.
What is the Vectis™ CCA? When will the new technologies be operational? What is the role of the F-16 in this new strategy?
Lockheed Martin Unveils “Dominance in the Skies” Campaign, Introduces Vectis™ Drone and AI Upgrades
New Technologies: Vectis™ and Project Overwatch
Vectis™ Collaborative Combat Aircraft
Project Overwatch AI
The Collective Force: Redefining Aircraft Roles
F-22 “Raptor 2.0” and F-35 Updates
Capacity and Support
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Vectis™ is a stealthy, unmanned combat aircraft designed by Lockheed Martin to fly alongside manned fighters like the F-35 and F-22. It can carry weapons and perform sensing missions.
The Vectis™ UAV is scheduled for its first flight in 2027 and initial operating capability around 2029. The Project Overwatch AI and F-22 upgrades are being rolled out or tested as of early 2026.
The F-16 provides essential capacity and mass. It acts as a weapons truck, engaging targets identified by the stealthier F-35 and F-22 fighters to avoid exposing its own position.
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
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
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