D-Wave and Lockheed Martin Collaborate on Quantum Optimization for Defense Logistics

Defense-Grade Quantum Logistics Enters the Test Phase

On May 3, 2017, Lockheed Martin and D-Wave Systems announced expanded work in applying quantum computing to defense logistics optimization. The project builds on Lockheed’s years-long evaluation of D-Wave’s quantum annealers, marking a significant turn toward operational testing in real-world logistics simulations.

The partnership, originally rooted in aerospace design and verification, has shifted to logistics—a key domain for any defense contractor managing global assets, mission-critical spare parts, and tightly constrained delivery windows.

Quantum Annealing for Supply Chain Challenges

At the heart of the project is D-Wave's 2000Q quantum annealer, designed to solve combinatorial optimization problems, such as the traveling salesman problem, with a scale and complexity unattainable through classical computing. For defense logistics, this includes scenarios like:

• Optimal routing of multiple vehicles across secure and volatile regions.

• Dynamic reallocation of cargo across aircraft based on mission priorities.

• Minimizing turnaround time while maximizing payload efficiency.

These are precisely the sorts of NP-hard problems quantum annealing was designed to tackle, albeit in highly structured configurations.

Lockheed’s Quantum Journey

Lockheed Martin was the first commercial buyer of D-Wave’s quantum computer in 2011 and has used successive generations of the technology for simulation, software verification, and now logistics optimization. The company operates a dedicated quantum computing research lab in partnership with the University of Southern California (USC), known as the USC-Lockheed Martin Quantum Computing Center (QCC).

“We’ve always believed quantum annealing could play a pivotal role in logistics,” said Dr. Brad Hutchings, associate director at USC QCC. “This is the first time we’re putting those beliefs to the test in an applied, systems-level environment.”

Early Results and Simulations

In early simulations run through the QCC’s quantum cloud interface, quantum-optimized solutions reportedly offered up to 15% improvement in resource allocation efficiency over traditional heuristic algorithms. These early tests modeled resupply operations in forward-operating bases, incorporating weather variables, enemy movement likelihoods, and limited airspace access.

For example, a scenario involving multiple cargo aircraft and a finite set of critical medical and engineering supplies yielded faster feasible routes that met more constraints compared to classical solvers.

Operational Testing

The second phase of the project involves physical simulations using logistics control hardware and mock supply chain data. While not yet integrated with real-time Department of Defense (DoD) networks, the systems are being prepared to plug into environments simulating theater-level logistics dynamics.

According to sources close to the project, the goal is not full quantum autonomy, but rather hybrid computation—quantum machines tackling the hardest combinatorial elements while classical systems manage broader planning and execution.

Implications for Broader Aerospace and Logistics

Lockheed Martin’s use case highlights the growing utility of quantum optimization across industries where logistics is mission-critical. From satellite launches to supply chain resourcing for commercial aircraft production, the potential value of even small efficiency gains can translate into millions in cost savings and faster deployment.

Moreover, D-Wave’s open approach to developer access means aerospace and logistics firms beyond defense—like Boeing, Airbus, and Northrop Grumman—are already prototyping logistics use cases.

Global Quantum Defense Race

The collaboration is part of a broader race among military and aerospace firms worldwide. China’s National Defense University and the PLA have reportedly begun simulations using quantum algorithms for logistics war-gaming. In Europe, Airbus’ quantum computing division has partnered with QC Ware for optimization research.

“The use of quantum to compress logistics planning timeframes from hours to seconds could be the next big battlefield advantage,” noted retired Air Force logistics planner, Col. David Ashcroft. “It's not about better math—it's about getting ahead of the adversary in material readiness.”

D-Wave’s Commercial Strategy

While other quantum computing firms focus on gate-based universal quantum computers, D-Wave has carved out a niche with its quantum annealers optimized for logistics, scheduling, and optimization problems. The company launched its Leap cloud platform in 2017 to enable commercial access to quantum annealing, and Lockheed’s pilot is one of the flagship industrial applications.

D-Wave’s strategy rests on demonstrating near-term commercial utility from quantum processors, even before full fault tolerance or universal gate-based systems become viable.

Conclusion

The Lockheed Martin and D-Wave initiative represents a maturing phase for quantum logistics. No longer theoretical, quantum annealing is now being trialed for real-world, high-stakes applications in defense supply chains. As simulations turn into field pilots and hybrid architectures emerge, logistics optimization may prove to be quantum computing’s first large-scale industrial win. With global implications for aerospace, military readiness, and even humanitarian response logistics, May 2017 marks a pivotal moment where the quantum future begins to integrate with the world’s most complex supply systems.