# AFRL Awards IonQ Rome Quantum Network Contract

In late October 2026, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) awarded IonQ a **$7.5 million Phase 2 follow-on contract** to develop optical, hardware, and software components for an interoperable quantum research platform at AFRL’s Rome, New York, facility. The work will test quantum networking components beyond tightly controlled laboratory conditions as a research and development step toward future multi-node capabilities; it is not an operational fielding effort or an open solicitation. The Phase 2 award is part of a broader $21.1 million phased quantum-networking effort issued in January 2025.

- The scope includes free-space optical links, quantum frequency converters, automated control software, and upgraded network hardware, creating demand across quantum hardware, photonics, and software capabilities.
- For procurement teams and industry stakeholders, the award signals AFRL’s continued investment in moving quantum networking research toward more realistic testing environments, but does not represent a current competition for new bidders.
- Contractors with relevant optical networking, quantum systems, or control-software capabilities can use the award’s technical scope to assess potential areas for future collaboration or complementary offerings.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** November 05, 2026

### Government Entities
- Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

### Vendors
- IonQ (awardee)

### Key Quotes
> Compatibility with established telecommunications wavelengths is important for integrating quantum technologies with existing optical networks. Supporting conversion to common telecom wavelengths provides greater flexibility to connect different types of quantum hardware.
> — Travis Pyne, Director of Technical Program Management, IonQ

### Sources
- [AFRL Takes Steps to Push Quantum Tech to the Field 

The Air Force Research Lab has awarded quantum computing firm IonQ a $7.5 million contract to bridge the gap between the lab and the field.

https://t.co/Q4zPanuiUq https://t.co/PVD5qxMTw4](https://x.com/YouSolidLedger/status/2118462328337203699) - twitter-defense