PRESS RELEASE
OQC and QinetiQ Demonstrate Critical Quantum Computing Application for Defence and Security
London, UK — 10 February 2026 — OQC and QinetiQ have announced the successful completion of a joint research project demonstrating how quantum computing can be applied to strengthen the security and resilience of defence communication networks.
Using OQC’s Toshiko quantum computer and cloud-accessible API, QinetiQ integrated its Quantum Approximation Optimisation Algorithm (QinetiQAOA) to identify critical nodes in Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks (MANETs) – the dynamic, infrastructure-free networks used in military and emergency operations.
The collaboration represents a significant step forward in applying quantum computing to real-world defence challenges, proving that quantum systems have the potential to offer valuable insights into complex network vulnerabilities and support more secure, adaptive communications in the field.
Unlocking Quantum Advantage for Defence
The project used OQC’s Toshiko system to model MANETs as optimisation problems, helping to identify nodes whose failure could disrupt mission-critical communications. The results demonstrated that quantum algorithms can successfully pinpoint these vulnerabilities: a breakthrough with direct implications for network resilience, cyber defence, and operational planning.
By analysing network topologies, QinetiQ and OQC showed how defence organisations could one day use quantum computing to:
- Strengthen communications networks against interference or attack;
- Optimise logistics and mission planning;
- Support more informed decision-making in dynamic environments.
“This project is a tangible example of quantum computing’s power to deliver real operational value,” said Gerald Mullally, CEO of OQC. “Working with QinetiQ has shown how sovereign quantum technology can be applied today to challenges that directly impact defence capability.”
While the project successfully identified critical nodes within complex defence networks, the testing also revealed valuable insights into the current limits of quantum performance. These results highlight both the maturity and rapid progress of OQC’s technology and the opportunity for further optimisation and calibration as systems scale.
Sovereign Quantum Capability: A Strategic Priority
As countries race to develop quantum technologies, maintaining control over sovereign quantum compute is vital for protecting sensitive workloads. OQC deploys their hardware and infrastructure into customer countries to ensure they provide secure, sovereign access for security and defence partners, with systems now in London, Tokyo and New York.
Dr Gillian Marshall, QinetiQ’s Capability Lead for Quantum Technology commented:
“Quantum computing offers transformative potential for national security. Collaborating with OQC ensures we can explore that potential at an early stage in its development, advancing both the science and the security of the UK’s digital future.”
Positioning the UK as a Global Leader in Quantum Defence
The OQC–QinetiQ collaboration underscores the UK’s growing leadership in the global quantum race. By combining OQC’s world-class superconducting hardware with QinetiQ’s defence expertise, the two companies have demonstrated that quantum computing can already address practical, valuable use cases across the defence sector.
OQC continues to deploy its systems through secure colocation data centres in the UK and abroad, enabling trusted access to quantum computing for governments, enterprises, and research institutions – all while upholding sovereignty, security, and accessibility.
About OQC
Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) is the UK’s leading quantum computing company, building and deploying the world’s most accessible superconducting quantum computers. With its cloud-ready quantum systems, OQC enables customers across sectors, from finance and energy to national security, to explore quantum advantage today. OQC’s mission is to make quantum computing useful, accessible, and sovereign.
About QinetiQ
QinetiQ is an integrated global defence and security company focused on mission-led innovation. We employ more than 8,500 highly-skilled people, committed to creating new ways of protecting what matters most; testing technologies, systems, and processes to make sure they meet operational needs; and enabling customers to deploy new and enhanced capabilities with the assurance they will deliver the performance required.
Visit our website www.QinetiQ.com. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @QinetiQ. Visit our blog www.QinetiQ-blogs.com.
