QuSecure to Deliver Quantum Resilient Air Force Encryption
The Department of the Air Force awarded QuSecure a $3.9 million contract to deploy post-quantum cryptographic capabilities for special missions.
- By Jesse Jacobs
- Mar 04, 2026
QuSecure Inc. has been selected for a $3.9 million Small Business Innovation Research Tactical Funding Increase contract to deliver quantum-resilient encryption for the U.S. Air Force.
The award, issued by AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force, focuses on addressing cybersecurity challenges for special missions. The initiative aims to provide cryptographic resilience for the Air Force Global Strike Command, which operates platforms such as the B-52 bomber.
“This award advances work to provide cryptographic resilience in support of the strategic deterrence mission,” said Patrick Shore, director of strategy, government at QuSecure. “Our objective is to mature the technology in preparation for procurement and long-term sustainment to meet mission needs.”
As part of the contract, QuSecure is working toward Impact Level 6 authorization. The company targets the third quarter of 2026 for its QuProtect R3 platform to be available for deployment in classified cloud environments.
Achieving this authorization would allow government agencies to deploy quantum-resilient infrastructure across cloud and air-gapped networks. The architecture is designed to integrate with existing systems to provide visibility into cryptographic assets and implement National Institute of Standards and Technology post-quantum standards without requiring a full system re-architecture.
The project is a partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX, which have streamlined the contract process to accelerate the transition of technology from small businesses to operational military use.