IonQ Awarded Spot on $151B MDA SHIELD IDIQ Defense Contract

IonQ Quantum Computing • February 23, 2026 • business

Key Points:

IonQ has been awarded a contract under the Missile Defense Agency's SHIELD IDIQ contract, which has a ceiling value of $151 billion, allowing the company to compete for future task orders related to rapid delivery of innovative defense capabilities.
IonQ offers a comprehensive portfolio of quantum technologies including computing, networking, sensing, and security, supported by subsidiaries such as Capella Space, Skyloom, and Vector Atomic, which specialize in space-based intelligence, secure communications, and precision timing.
The SHIELD contract enables IonQ to expand its collaboration with U.S. government agencies, building on its history of supporting research and development efforts with organizations like DARPA and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory.
IonQ recently set a world record