IonQ (IONQ) has announced two new efforts aimed at growing its presence in defense, aerospace, and European markets. These steps include partnering with a drone company and launching a new unit based in Italy. Together, the updates reflect the company’s push to apply quantum tech to more industries and public-sector systems.
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Quantum Systems for Drones
First, IonQ announced it is investing in and working with Heven AeroTech, a company that builds hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicles. These aircraft are designed for defense and aerospace use. As part of the deal, Heven AeroTech will use IonQ’s technology across several areas, including quantum computing, networking, sensing, and security.
The two firms plan to explore how quantum systems can support advanced flight tasks. This may include secure data links, improved navigation, and better mission planning tools. Jordan Shapiro, who leads IonQ’s unit for networking, sensing, and security, will join Heven AeroTech’s board as part of the deal.
IonQ has stated that the agreement helps bring its quantum systems into real-world systems that can be deployed and scaled.
IonQ Opens Italian Division
Separately, IonQ said it is setting up a new group called IonQ Italia. The division will focus on research and commercial efforts tied to Italy’s national goals in quantum computing and related fields. Dr. Marco Pistoia will serve as chief executive of the new unit. He is a former leader at JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and IBM (IBM), where he worked on quantum software and security.
IonQ Italia will aim to help Italian groups, including companies and government agencies, access the company’s systems. The group plans to work on projects in energy, finance, aerospace, defense, and life sciences. IonQ also expects this effort to support broader European programs around quantum technology and cybersecurity.
Dr. Pistoia will report to IonQ’s chief executive, Niccolò de Masi, and will also continue to lead the company’s special projects group. That unit is working on new use cases that connect quantum systems with areas such as satellite communication and financial systems.
Strategic Context
These moves come as IonQ looks to scale across new regions and sectors. By linking with a drone maker and launching a unit in Italy, the company is positioning itself to participate in defense and public infrastructure programs that often involve longer-term spending.
For now, the company’s long-term plan appears to focus on building a platform that spans both commercial and government-facing products. This could allow IonQ to create new income streams while also reducing its exposure to short-term swings in cloud-based demand.
As of its most recent updates, IonQ has continued to focus on both technical progress and new types of market access. The company is also one of the few public firms in the quantum space with a full-stack model, offering tools for hardware, software, and secure networking.
Is IONQ Stock a Buy?
On the Street, IonQ holds a Moderate Buy consensus rating. The average IONQ stock price target stands at $76.11, implying a 74.44% upside from the current price.
