IonQ Receives $7.5 Million for Air Force Quantum Network Phase 2

IonQ announced Tuesday, Oct. 27, that it received $7.5 million from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for a second phase of quantum-network work in Rome, New York. The project includes network infrastructure planned for the Innovare Advancement Center, where IonQ is working with AFRL through Qubitekk.

The $7.5 million is part of the $21.1 million project announced in January 2025. It is not a supplemental award and does not increase the project’s total value. The initial plan included optical links between ground stations and uncrewed aircraft.

The next phase calls for two quantum frequency-converter modules, optical links through open air, software controls and network hardware upgrades. The optical system is intended to distribute entanglement through secure, line-of-sight channels in the C-band. The design also aims to connect different quantum systems over standard telecommunications infrastructure and through open air.

Planned software features include network monitoring, self-tests, failure handling and experiment execution. The converter modules and other hardware upgrades are part of the same phase as the optical links.

AFRL’s Information Directorate in Rome researches quantum-network components and interfaces for connecting different kinds of systems, including trapped-ion and superconducting systems. The overall AFRL contract has an estimated completion date of Feb. 18, 2028.

“This follow-on funding from AFRL underscores the strength of our long-term partnership,” Jordan Shapiro, IonQ president, Quantum Platform, said.