IonQ, Heven AeroTech Partner on Quantum-Enabled Drones

IonQ and Heven AeroTech have formed a strategic partnership to integrate IonQ’s quantum technologies into Heven’s long-range, hydrogen-powered Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) platform. This collaboration will focus on incorporating quantum computing, networking, sensing, and security capabilities into Heven AeroTech’s autonomous aerial systems, redefining mission resilience and operational performance, particularly in GPS-denied environments. Founded in 2019, Heven AeroTech’s drones, like the Heven Z1, achieve up to 600 miles of flight for over 10 hours using hydrogen fuel cell propulsion, and this partnership extends IonQ’s leadership in applying quantum innovation to next-generation defense platforms.

IonQ and Heven AeroTech Partnership Details

IonQ and Heven AeroTech have partnered to integrate IonQ’s quantum technologies into Heven’s hydrogen-powered drone platform. This collaboration aims to redefine mission resilience, stealth, and operational performance, particularly in GPS-denied environments. IonQ’s investment will accelerate development of quantum-enabled endpoints, supporting the building of a Quantum Internet accessible on the ground, in the air, and in space. Heven AeroTech’s drones, like the Z1, already offer long endurance—up to 600 miles for over 10 hours—enhanced by this new technology.

The partnership will explore several key quantum applications for drones, including quantum networking and security to create secure communication links, and quantum computing to optimize fleet routing and imagery fusion. Quantum sensors will also be deployed for alternative positioning, navigation, and timing. This collaboration extends IonQ’s work, building upon recent acquisitions and four U.S. Air Force Research Lab contracts totaling approximately $400 million (2022-2025), all focused on scalable and secure quantum systems.

Jordan Shapiro, President and General Manager of IonQ’s Quantum Networking, Sensing & Security division, will join Heven AeroTech’s Board of Directors, demonstrating IonQ’s growing leadership in applying quantum innovation to defense platforms. IonQ’s systems, like IonQ Forte and Forte Enterprise, have already achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity—a world record—and the company aims for 2 million qubits by 2030 to advance innovations across various fields.

Integration of Quantum Technologies into Drones

IonQ and Heven AeroTech are partnering to integrate IonQ’s quantum technologies into Heven’s long-range, hydrogen-powered drones. This collaboration aims to redefine mission resilience, stealth, and operational performance, especially in GPS-denied environments. Specifically, IonQ’s quantum computing, networking, and sensing technologies will be incorporated into Heven’s aerial systems, potentially optimizing fleet routing, fusing imagery, and enabling alternative positioning, navigation, and timing onboard the drones.

This partnership unlocks real-world aerospace deployment for IonQ’s quantum technologies while providing Heven AeroTech with cutting-edge capabilities. IonQ’s quantum networking and security features will create ultra-secure links between drones. Jordan Shapiro, President and General Manager of IonQ’s Quantum Networking, Sensing & Security division, will join Heven AeroTech’s Board of Directors, reflecting IonQ’s growing leadership in applying quantum innovation to defense platforms.

The collaboration builds on IonQ’s recent acquisitions and four U.S. Air Force Research Lab contracts totaling approximately $400 million (2022-2025). Heven AeroTech’s drones, like the Heven Z1, are capable of flying up to 600 miles for over 10 hours, and this integration will further enhance their capabilities. IonQ’s systems have achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, a world record in 2025, demonstrating advancements in quantum computing performance.

Applications of Quantum Computing and Sensing

IonQ and Heven AeroTech are collaborating to integrate quantum technologies into long-range, hydrogen-powered drones for national security applications. This partnership will focus on deploying quantum sensing for alternative positioning, navigation, and timing onboard the drones. Quantum computing will also be leveraged to optimize fleet routing and fuse drone and satellite imagery. The goal is to redefine mission resilience, stealth, and operational performance, especially in environments where GPS is unavailable.

The collaboration extends to quantum networking and security, aiming to create ultra-secure, reliable links between drones using quantum communications. IonQ’s investment supports the development of quantum-enabled endpoints, building the Quantum Internet across ground, air, and space. Four U.S. Air Force Research Lab contracts, totaling approximately $400 million (four ~$100M contracts in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025), will drive scalable and secure quantum computers and networks.

Heven AeroTech’s drones, like the Heven Z1, can fly up to 600 miles for over 10 hours, combining endurance with advanced autonomy. IonQ’s quantum technologies are expected to enhance these capabilities, pushing boundaries in endurance, autonomy, and security. The companies aim to build a new generation of uncrewed systems capable of thriving in contested environments and delivering critical capabilities for important missions.

Advancements and Future Goals of IonQ

IonQ is partnering with Heven AeroTech to integrate its quantum technologies into long-range, hydrogen-powered drones. This collaboration aims to redefine mission resilience, stealth, and operational performance, especially in GPS-denied environments. Key areas of focus include quantum networking and security for reliable drone communication, leveraging IonQ’s systems to optimize fleet routing, and deploying quantum sensors for alternative positioning, navigation, and timing onboard the drones.

IonQ intends to deliver the world’s most powerful quantum computers with 2 million qubits by 2030, accelerating innovation across multiple fields including drug discovery, materials science, and defense. This ambition is supported by recent successes, including achieving 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity—a world record in 2025—and a series of U.S. Air Force Research Lab contracts totaling approximately $100 million each in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

This partnership extends IonQ’s leadership in applying quantum innovation to defense platforms. Jordan Shapiro, President and General Manager of IonQ’s Quantum Networking, Sensing & Security division, will join Heven AeroTech’s Board of Directors. IonQ’s advancements also position the company as a leader in building the quantum internet, with operations spanning multiple countries including the U.S., United Kingdom, South Korea, and Sweden.