The Pentagon is taking steps to shield the F-35’s encryption systems from the growing threat posed by quantum computing. A contract notice published May 6, 2026, by the F-35 Joint Program Office signals the shift to quantum computing-proof encryption. The military is moving to future-proof one of the jet’s core security systems before quantum computing advances enough to break current encryption.
As entities like D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) move toward bringing quantum computing to mainstream accessibility, we are likely to see a lot more sectors scrambling to update their cybersecurity systems in order to reduce the likelihood of being compromised by hackers equipped with quantum capabilities. The F-35, a cornerstone of U.S. air superiority, relies on encryption for communications, data links, and mission systems. A quantum computer could theoretically break the public-key cryptography that secures these systems, potentially exposing sensitive military operations.
The Pentagon’s proactive approach underscores the growing recognition that quantum computing, while still in its early stages, poses an existential risk to current encryption standards. The move aligns with broader efforts by the U.S. government to transition to post-quantum cryptography. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been leading the development of quantum-resistant algorithms, and the Pentagon’s contract notice suggests the F-35 program will adopt such standards.
This development is significant not only for military security but also for the broader implications across industries. As D-Wave and other quantum computing companies advance, sectors such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure will face similar pressures to upgrade encryption. The quantum threat is no longer theoretical; it is a timeline that organizations must prepare for now.
The F-35 Joint Program Office’s action is a clear signal that even the most advanced military systems must adapt to emerging technologies. For the defense industry and beyond, the message is clear: quantum-proof encryption is no longer optional but essential for future security.
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