Heven AeroTech & IonQ Advance Quantum-Led Defence Drones
Heven AeroTech and IonQ Develop Quantum-Enabled National Security Drones.
IonQ and Heven AeroTech
IonQ, the world's leading quantum corporation, announced a major investment and strategic cooperation with Heven AeroTech, a developer of hydrogen-powered UAS technology for aerospace and defence applications.
The alliance aims to combine Heven AeroTech's autonomous aerial systems with IonQ's quantum computing, networking, sensing, and security capabilities. This alliance will revolutionise mission resilience, stealth, and operational performance, especially when GPS is obstructed.
Redefining Operational Performance with Quantum Integration
The cooperation is well-positioned to accelerate quantum technologies in aircraft applications. IonQ's funding will speed quantum-enabled endpoint development, supporting its ambition of developing the Quantum Internet in space, on land, and in the air.
Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ, said Heven AeroTech will gain a “new class of unparalleled UAS capabilities” by combining IonQ's quantum technology. He added, “The collaboration allows Heven's drones to ‘address missions no other player can with unequalled precision, resilience, and security.
The cooperation aims to redefine mission resilience and operational performance in GPS-denied environments.
Drone System Quantum Initiatives
The cooperation describes various coordinated efforts to add quantum features to Heven's platforms:
Quantum Sensing: The partners want to equip Heven drones with quantum sensors for alternative location, navigation, and timing. This functionality is critical for systems in disputed situations where GPS navigation may fail.
IonQ's quantum systems will do complex tasks like fleet routing optimisation. Quantum computing may enable real-time drone-satellite imagery combining.
Quantum Networking and Security: Building secure drone connectivity with quantum communications is crucial. Quantum security is needed for mission resiliency.
Long-Endurance Platform—Heven AeroTech
In 2019, Virginia-based Heven AeroTech introduced hydrogen fuel cell propulsion in aerial vehicles. Its drones, like the Heven Z1, can fly 600 miles for over 10 hours thanks to this technology.
Heven is a pioneer in aerial robotics by combining long-endurance flight with advanced autonomy and stealth capabilities powered by renewable energy.
Heven AeroTech founder and CEO Ben Levinson said IonQ's quantum technologies fit their hydrogen-powered aerial vehicles 'naturally'. He said the collaboration allows them to “push the boundaries of endurance, autonomy, and security in ways previously thought impossible,” creating a new generation of uncrewed systems that can withstand dangerous situations and serve important missions.
IonQ's Defence Leadership and Technological Advances
This relationship reflects IonQ's growing leadership in quantum innovation in next-generation defence platforms. Jordan Shapiro, President and General Manager of IonQ's Quantum Networking, Sensing & Security division, will join Heven AeroTech's Board of Directors to show dedication and integrated strategy.
Over $100 million contracts with the U.S. Air Force Research Lab in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 underpin the relationship. It also boosts IonQ's U.S. defence and networking posture. These contracts underpin secure and scalable quantum networks and computers in the US and elsewhere. Since buying Vector Atomic and Capella Space, IonQ has been working towards constructing the first quantum-secure global communications network.
IonQ is accelerating its technology plan to deliver the most powerful quantum computers with two million qubits by 2030. This mission aims to accelerate drug research, financial modelling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defence innovation. IonQ achieved a global record for quantum computing performance in 2025 with a two-qubit gate fidelity of 99.99%. Due to its quantum networking achievements, the company leads quantum internet development.