Lockheed Martin invested in quantum science since 2008

Lockheed Martin has been applying quantum science to challenging problems since 2008, before the current surge in public attention to the field. The company now prioritizes quantum technology alongside directed energy, hypersonics, and autonomy, recognizing its potential beyond computing. Quantum sensing, which measures motion, gravity, electromagnetic fields, and time with increased precision, is gaining momentum as a practical application; experts widely see it as one of the areas likely to deliver practical capability sooner across the quantum community. This focus aims to move the technology into demanding environments where accuracy and resilience are paramount. Lockheed Martin’s Two-Decade Investment in Quantum Science Lockheed Martin initiated its exploration of quantum science in 2008, a period before widespread public attention to the field, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the technology’s potential. This early investment positioned the company to become a key player as quantum sensing moved beyond theoretical research and toward practical applications, particularly within aerospace and defense, Lockheed Martin says. In 2021, the company formalized this dedication by designating quantum technology as a priority area, aligning it with directed energy, hypersonics, and autonomy as core strategic focuses. The company’s approach differs from purely theoretical pursuits; instead, Lockheed Martin concentrates on the engineering challenges of translating delicate quantum systems into robust, real-world devices. “It takes a lot of clever engineering to package the complicated quantum system into a device that can be used in the real world, outside,” said Leifer, a Senior Quantum Systems Engineer and Lead for Quantum Workforce Development at Lockheed Martin. This focus on practical implementation is evident in projects like the Defense Innovation Unit Transition of Quantum Sensors, where Lockheed Martin collaborates with companies such as Q-CTRL and AOSense to develop a quantum inertial navigation system. The aim is to create a GPS-independent solution utilizing individual atoms to detect motion and orientation, enhancing navigational capabilities in challenging environments. Lockheed Martin leverages its decades of experience in designing precision laser and optical systems, adapting those skills to the unique demands of quantum sensors. According to Couger, Quantum Sensing and Position, Navigation, and Timing Lead at Lockheed Martin, their engineering teams are well-equipped to address the hardware challenges that separate laboratory prototypes from deployable technology. “In our work with our partner companies, we’re the engineers in the room,” Couger stated, emphasizing the company’s role in integrating fragile quantum components into complex, resilient systems. This collaborative model allows Lockheed Martin to focus on ensuring the longevity and reliability of quantum sensors, answering critical questions about their performance in demanding conditions. “These aren’t science experiments for their own sake,” Couger added, “They are designed to answer practical questions: Does it work, does it last, and does it matter?” The company’s current efforts include multiple sensing demonstrations planned for this year and beyond, all geared toward validating performance in authentic operational scenarios. This commitment to real-world testing underscores Lockheed Martin’s belief that quantum sensing will offer significant advantages in environments where conventional systems are limited, such as those with GPS interference or degraded networks. Ultimately, Lockheed Martin aims to deliver advanced technologies that perform reliably where they are most needed, solidifying its position in applied quantum science. It takes a lot of clever engineering to package the complicated quantum system into a device that can be used in the real world, outside of a lab. Leifer, Quantum Technologies Lead at Lockheed Martin Quantum Sensing Distinguishes Itself from Quantum Computing While much attention focuses on the promise of quantum computers to solve complex calculations, the company has increasingly prioritized quantum sensing as a nearer-term opportunity for practical application, formally designating it a priority technology area in 2021 alongside directed energy, hypersonics, and autonomy. This focus reflects a strategic shift towards technologies offering demonstrable impact in the coming years, rather than relying solely on the still-developing capabilities of quantum computation. Quantum sensing leverages the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics to achieve measurement precision exceeding that of conventional sensors, detecting subtle changes in motion, gravity, electromagnetic fields, and time. Unlike quantum computing, which aims to process information in a fundamentally new way, quantum sensing utilizes these quantum properties to enhance measurement capabilities, potentially unlocking improvements in navigation, timing, and environmental monitoring. According to Lockheed Martin, the key lies in balancing performance with size, weight, and power, critical considerations for deployment in aerospace, defense, and other challenging environments. Successfully translating quantum sensing prototypes to robust, field-ready devices requires substantial engineering expertise. “But once you do, you have a device that may be more precise, uses less power, or works in ways conventional sensors cannot.” Lockheed Martin’s approach centers on collaborative partnerships with specialized quantum companies, leveraging its decades of experience in designing and integrating complex optical and laser systems into demanding operational environments. The results of these demonstrations will be crucial in determining the future viability and deployment of quantum sensing technologies in critical applications. In our work with our partner companies, we’re the engineers in the room. Couger, Quantum Sensing and Position, Navigation, and Timing Lead at Lockheed Martin Source: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/news/features/2026/the-quantum-opportunity-beyond-computing.html Stay currentSee today’s quantum computing news on Quantum Zeitgeist for the latest breakthroughs in qubits, hardware, algorithms, and industry deals. Tags: