# AFRL Advances Quantum R&D

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is advancing quantum technologies with near- and medium-term potential in portable atomic clocks, resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), sensing, and drone-compatible photonic systems. Quantum networking and computing remain longer-term areas, and the signal identifies no active solicitation, contract award, value, or procurement contact. For contractors, the development points to potential future work in integrated photonics, quantum sensing, packaging, and field testing rather than an immediate bid opportunity.

- Companies with relevant capabilities can assess how their integrated photonics, sensing, packaging, or field-testing offerings align with AFRL’s identified near- and medium-term applications.
- Contractors can track AFRL and AIM Photonics-related opportunities; the signal does not provide a solicitation, procurement timeline, or contact.
- Quantum networking and computing are longer-term areas, so near-term business planning should distinguish them from the more immediate application areas identified.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** October 01, 2026

### Government Entities
- Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
- Department of the Air Force (DAF)
- Department of Defense (DoD)

### Vendors
- AIM Photonics (Commercial foundry and photonic-chip manufacturing provider)

### Sources
- [Foundational Quantum R&D Pushes the Envelope of Possibility | AFCEA International](https://www.afcea.org/signal-media/technology/foundational-quantum-rd-pushes-envelope-possibility) - AFCEA International