US DoD Awards $45 Million AFRL for Researching Quantum Applications for Precision Targeting Weapons

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded a multi-service team led by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) $45 million for a three-year program called CLAWS (Classical Quantum Hybrid Construction for Advanced Weapon Systems). CLAWS will investigate how the use of quantum technology can enhance kinetic weapons systems to provide higher precision at greater distances, lower collateral damage, and greater agility. AFRL will partner with commercial and academic institutions to research how quantum technologies can be used for various imaging, positioning, navigation and timing applications. It is estimated that this program will support at least 20 new post-graduate and post-doctoral students. Initial investigations will focus on researching hybrid quantum/classical algorithms to see if positive results can be obtained with available NISQ-class processors in the near future. This award announcement is available on the Department of Defense website Here.

June 17, 2023