IonQ (IONQ) announced on Monday a strategic partnership with Heven Aerotech, a developer of Unmanned Aerial System solutions for defense and aerospace missions.
Shares were +2.33% pre-market to $42.68.
The College Park, MD-based quantum computing company said the partnership extends its strength in defense and networking projects with its four ~$100M U.S. Air Force Research Lab contracts in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
The systems that will be deployed via these contracts are expected to help drive scalable and secure quantum computers and networks in the U.S. and around the world.
The current agreement enables Heven AeroTech to integrate IonQ’s quantum computing, quantum networking, quantum sensing, and quantum security technologies into its autonomous aerial systems.
Jordan Shapiro, president and general manager of IonQ’s quantum networking, sensing and security division, is set to join Heven AeroTech’s board.
“This partnership positions Heven’s drones to tackle missions no other player can with unmatched precision, resilience, and security,” said IonQ CEO Niccolo de Masi.