Quantum Computing in the Aerospace and Defense Market Report 2026

The quantum computing in the aerospace and defense market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $2.54 billion in 2025 to $2.89 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising defense investment in early quantum research for secure communications, increasing adoption of quantum simulators for complex aerospace modeling, initial integration of quantum-based optimization tools to improve mission planning, growing development of quantum cryptography systems to counter emerging cyber threats, expanding government-industry collaborations to advance quantum hardware for defense applications.

The quantum computing in the aerospace and defense market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.83 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing deployment of quantum processors to enhance real-time threat detection and situational awareness, increasing adoption of quantum-secure communication networks across defense agencies, rising use of quantum algorithms for advanced aerospace vehicle design and simulation, expanding procurement of quantum computers to support next-generation defense analytics, accelerating commercialization of quantum optimization services for logistics, routing, and mission efficiency. Major trends in the forecast period include expansion of quantum-resistant defense communication networks, increasing adoption of quantum optimization for mission planning, rising demand for quantum-enabled threat detection and simulation, integration of quantum hardware with aerospace avionics testbeds, growth in government-funded quantum defense research programs.

The increase in military investments is expected to drive the growth of quantum computing in the aerospace and defense market in the coming years. Military investments involve government funding allocated to developing, upgrading, and maintaining defense capabilities and security infrastructure. This rise is fueled by escalating geopolitical tensions, prompting nations to boost defense budgets to enhance security and maintain strategic deterrence amid global uncertainties. These investments support the demand for quantum computing in aerospace and defense by funding advanced technologies that improve secure communication, intelligence analysis, and threat detection. For example, in April 2024, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reported that global military spending reached $2.44 trillion in 2023, marking a 6.8% real-term increase compared to 2022. Hence, rising military investments are propelling the growth of quantum computing in this sector.

Leading companies in the quantum computing aerospace and defense market are increasingly engaging in strategic partnerships to deliver enhanced technological solutions, boost operational efficiency, and speed up innovation in maintenance, inspection, and repair services. Strategic partnerships allow companies to combine strengths and resources for mutual benefit and success. For instance, in June 2025, Nokia Corporation, a telecommunications firm based in Finland, teamed up with Honeywell Aerospace Technologies from the US and Numana, a Canadian quantum technology organization, to advance quantum-safe networks through the Kirq Quantum Communication Testbed in Montreal, Canada. This collaboration aims to develop and deploy quantum-safe networks and encryption technologies to secure digital infrastructure and communications, including satellite and terrestrial networks.

In February 2025, IonQ Inc., a US-based quantum computing company, formed a partnership with General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) to co-develop quantum computing solutions for US customers. The partnership focuses on accelerating quantum adoption in government and defense agencies, targeting areas such as quantum artificial intelligence, data analytics, resource optimization, anomaly detection, and geospatial data processing. General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) is a US technology and professional services company.

Major companies operating in the quantum computing in the aerospace and defense market are Microsoft Corporation, The Boeing Company, Airbus SE, International Business Machines Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., BAE Systems plc, D-Wave Systems Inc., Xanadu Quantum Technologies Inc., PsiQuantum Corp., Photonic Inc., Alice & Bob SAS, Q-Ctrl Pty Ltd, Infleqtion Inc., Quandela SAS, IonQ Inc., Classiq Technologies Ltd., QC Ware Corp., MagiQ Technologies Inc., Pan Galactic LLC, ColdQuanta Inc.

North America was the largest region in the quantum computing in the aerospace and defense market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the quantum computing in the aerospace and defense market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs on specialized quantum hardware, photonic components, and advanced semiconductor materials are increasing manufacturing costs and slowing deployment within the aerospace and defense quantum computing market. These tariffs particularly impact hardware-intensive segments such as quantum processors, cryptography systems, and sensing modules, with regions reliant on cross-border supply chains such as North America and Europe experiencing the greatest delays. Software and service segments face fewer direct cost pressures but are indirectly affected by slower hardware availability. In some regions, tariffs are encouraging localized production and strengthening domestic quantum supply chains, offering long-term strategic advantages for national defense sectors.

The quantum computing in the aerospace and defense market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides quantum computing in the aerospace and defense market statistics, including quantum computing in the aerospace and defense industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a quantum computing in the aerospace and defense market share, detailed quantum computing in the aerospace and defense market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the quantum computing in the aerospace and defense industry. This quantum computing in the aerospace and defense market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Quantum computing in aerospace and defense involves leveraging advanced quantum algorithms and processors to tackle complex problems more quickly than conventional computers. This technology improves secure communications, optimizes flight paths, enhances simulations, and aids in threat detection.

The main categories of quantum computing in this sector include hardware, software, and services. Hardware comprises the physical components like quantum processors, qubits, and control systems that enable quantum computations based on quantum mechanics principles. Applications include quantum key distribution, quantum cryptanalysis, and quantum sensing, primarily used by end-users such as the military and aerospace industries.

The countries covered in the quantum computing in the aerospace and defense market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The quantum computing in the aerospace and defense market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as secure communications and quantum cryptography, advanced simulation and modeling, and optimization of operations and logistics. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The quantum computing in the aerospace and defense market also includes sales of quantum computers, quantum simulators, and cryptography systems. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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