QuSecure wins USD $3.9m AFWERX deal for quantum security
QuSecure has secured a USD $3.9 million Small Business Innovation Research Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) contract from AFWERX to develop quantum-resilient encryption for specialised US Air Force missions.
The award falls under the US Department of the Air Force's Open Topic SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer programme, which broadens the range of technologies eligible for funding. The Air Force Research Labouratory (AFRL) and AFWERX describe the process as a faster route from proposal to award, with contracting changes intended to reduce administrative overhead.
QuSecure's TACFI work supports Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), which operates strategic platforms including the B-52 bomber. Secure communications remain a core requirement for mission operations.
"This TACFI award advances QuSecure's work with Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) to provide cryptographic resilience in support of the strategic deterrence mission," said Patrick Shore, QuSecure's Director of Strategy for the Government.
The project will focus on maturing QuSecure's technology for potential procurement and long-term sustainment aligned to AFGSC needs. QuSecure also positioned the work as part of a broader effort to operationalise quantum-resilient security within the US Air Force.
"AFGSC operates some of the nation's most enduring platforms, including the B-52, where secure communications and trusted cryptography are critical for mission success. Our objective is to mature the technology in preparation for procurement and long-term sustainment to meet AFGSC mission needs," Shore said.
IL6 pathway
Alongside the contract work, QuSecure is pursuing Impact Level 6 (IL6) authorisation, a US government classification for cloud systems that process information up to the Secret level. The company is targeting QuProtect R3 to be available for deployment in classified cloud environments by Q3 2026.
IL6 authorisation is relevant for defence and national security organisations because it enables workloads to be hosted and operated in classified environments. QuSecure said IL6 status would allow mission owners in the Department of War and other US government agencies to deploy quantum-resilient cryptographic infrastructure for mission operations.
QuProtect R3 is described as a crypto-agility and cryptographic command platform. QuSecure said it uses a modular architecture designed to integrate across cloud networks and air-gapped environments, and provides centralised visibility into cryptographic assets alongside governance functions.
The platform is also aligned with emerging post-quantum cryptography standards from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology. QuSecure said it supports the adoption of those standards without requiring a full re-architecture of systems.
Funding context
AFWERX is the Department of the Air Force's innovation arm and a directorate within AFRL. It manages an annual budget of USD $1.4 billion, according to figures published by the organisation. Since 2019, AFWERX has awarded more than 10,400 contracts worth over USD $7.24 billion.
AFRL is the Department of the Air Force's primary scientific research and development centre across air, space and cyber domains. Its portfolio spans fundamental research through to later-stage technology development and integration.
QuSecure, based in San Mateo, California, focuses on post-quantum cybersecurity and cryptographic agility. The company positions crypto-agility as a way to update cryptographic systems as standards and threats change. The approach has gained attention as governments and critical industries assess the risk that future quantum computers could break widely used public-key encryption methods.
Shore described the contract as part of a broader effort across the US defence ecosystem. "We are thankful to our AFGSC and AFWERX partners for their continued support and for their leadership in advancing quantum-resilient cybersecurity," he said.
"The impact of this work extends beyond this award, marking an important step toward operationalising quantum-resilient security for the U.S. Air Force and the broader Department of War," Shore added.