Q-Net Security has been awarded a U.S. Air Force (USAF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract to enhance the security of military communications.
Building on technologies developed under its previous SBIR Phase II award, the company will focus on advancing communication systems at the tactical edge — particularly in expanding airborne wide-area networks, improving wide-band air-to-air connectivity, and strengthening mobile ad hoc networking capabilities.
The effort is expected to accelerate development of Tactical Key Management encryption, enabling secure, real-time communications in line with the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) strategy. ACE is designed to increase force survivability, complicate adversary targeting, and provide greater operational flexibility.
Q-Net Security CEO John Pyrovolakis emphasized the significance of the contract, stating:
“This contract reflects the Air Force’s commitment to supporting American warfighters with next-generation secure communications solutions. As threats escalate with the rise of quantum computing and AI, securing communications has never been more critical. Our silicon-based approach offers the resilience and simplicity that today’s warfighters demand.”
The SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs serve as key funding pathways for emerging technologies developed by small businesses, helping to transition innovations from early-stage research to operational use.
