The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has demonstrated the first functioning quantum-augmented network as part of its new Quantum-Augmented Network initiative. 

DARPA said Thursday its QuANET program aims to unify classical and quantum communication technologies to develop a more secure and resilient networking infrastructure.

Rapid Data Transmission Time Unlocked

During the demonstration, conducted 10 months after the program’s launch, messages were transmitted across the entire network using a combination of classical and quantum links, with one link managing to encode messages onto squeezed light. After leveraging real-time optimization, a record-breaking transmission time of 0.7 milliseconds was achieved. With a bit rate of 6.8 Mbps, the speed is sufficient for streaming high-definition videos.

Enhancing Network Efficiency and Security

The program also focuses on deploying hyperentangled photons into a data packet transmission to enable more data to be transmitted at the same time. This will not only enhance efficiency but also reinforce the network’s security.

“By enabling quantum links to operate within existing communication network architectures, we’re unlocking the potential for broader access to quantum network technology, offering a new pathway towards significantly improved security, efficiency, privacy and resiliency,” said QuANET Program Manager Allyson O’Brien.

QuANET is currently preparing for its first phase test event, which will showcase DARPA’s quantum-classical architecture using fielded fiber optics, optical switches and routers to transmit and receive data.

The United States’ review of the AUKUS security partnership is expected to conclude this fall, Axios reported Wednesday. Led by Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby, the review is examining how the trilateral agreement, which began under the Biden administration, aligns with the priorities of the Trump administration.

Colby previously voiced skepticism over how U.S. resources are allocated under AUKUS, though he also said Washington should “do everything we can to make this work.”

Learn about the latest AUKUS trilateral agreement developments at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Navy Summit, where maritime leaders and Navy experts will address the most critical challenges and opportunities facing the naval forces of the United States and its allies. Register here.

AUKUS Pillar I and II Challenges

At the center of the review is AUKUS’s Pillar I, under which the United States should deliver Virginia-class submarines to Australia. The Government Accountability Office and U.S. Navy leaders have warned that the U.S. submarine production remains far below the level needed to support the plan. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle recently told Congress that the current shipbuilding pace is insufficient and would require “a 100 percent improvement” to meet AUKUS Pillar I goals.

How Australia would use the submarines once acquired could impact the Trump administration’s decision about the trilateral agreement. Some analysts are unsure whether Australia would employ the submarines in operations aimed at deterring or countering China.

“They’ve been very coy about how they would actually employ the submarines, other than to say, ‘Well, it’s a deterrent, it could be employed to defend Australia,'” Bryan Clark, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, told Axios.

Pillar II, meanwhile, which involves joint development of advanced technologies such as hypersonics and artificial intelligence, has seen limited progress. “The matter at hand—sophisticated, trilaterally supported innovation—seems to be unfurling lethargically,” wrote Peter Dean and Alice Nason in their War on the Rocks piece.

Despite the challenges, the pact is expected to survive. One defense industry executive told Axios that the administration appears supportive of AUKUS, adding that insiders are portraying the agreement to Trump as “a big, beautiful trade deal.”

The U.S. Army has issued an organization-wide memo to guide the optimization of systems critical to operations. Signed by Leonel Garciga, the service’s chief information officer and a two-time Wash100 winner, the Defense Business System, or DBS, Determination and Implementation Guidance offers clarifications, ensures accountability and enhances governance of the Army’s IT infrastructure.

What Is DBS?

A DBS is an IT system being used within the Department of Defense to support core business operations, including financial management, budgeting, planning, contracting, logistics, and human resources training and management. It does not cover systems that are utilized for military, intelligence and national security-related activities. The Defense Commissary System, the Exchange System and other DOD equipment designed for the morale, welfare and recreation of the Armed Forces and developed with non-appropriated funds are also not considered DBS.

According to the memo, DBS supports data-driven decision making, data governance by establishing authoritative sources of information and centralizing data and processes within an organization.

The Army has begun optimization of its DBS in an effort to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency and performance. The determination and implementation guidance ensure that efforts are in line with the DOD-wide strategic goals.

The Catalyst Accelerator has named the six small businesses that will participate in its directed energy and electromagnetic warfare cohort. From August to November, the cohort will meet every two weeks to collaborate with subject matter experts and engage with government and commercial navigators to build connections and develop technologies for the warfighter.

The cohort, The Catalyst Accelerator’s 15th overall, is the first to be executed in partnership with the U.S. Space Force’s Space Security and Defense Program.

“The Space Security and Defense Program is excited to see such a diverse set of technologies in the Electromagnetic Warfare and Directed Energy Sector,” commented Maj. Joshua Haneline, deputy division chief of the electromagnetic warfare division at SSDP. “We are looking forward to bringing these small businesses together to develop innovative solutions for the warfighter.”

The Catalyst Accelerator is powered by the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate. It provides an opportunity for non-traditional technology companies to enter the national defense ecosystem through mentorship and business development activities.

Catalyst Accelerator’s Selected Startups

The Catalyst Accelerator team selected the small businesses based on the potential of their capability offerings. The new cohort’s participants are:

• Aptos Orbital, a Palo Alto, California-headquartered firm developing a radio frequency mesh network that can connect and compute across space without needing ground stations.
• Dcubed USA from Berthoud, Colorado, aims to build a next generation of in-space manufactured infrastructure.
• Millennial Software, a company from Chantilly, Virginia, offers next-generation space battle management platforms powered by artificial intelligence and automation to accelerate decision advantage.
• Overwatch OT, which hails from Lakewood Ranch, Florida, specializes in AI, EW and cyber technical systems.
• Quadsat, a Danish firm, provides RF spectrum testing, antenna validation, and electromagnetic environment monitoring platforms.
• RedTail Technology, a startup from Sydney, Australia, develops directed energy laser technology.

The six small businesses will pitch their technologies to government, industry and investors on Nov. 20.