Pentagon Preparing F-35 Encryption for Quantum Threats While Lockheed Martin Patent Implements Quantum-Resistant Blockchain Technology

According to a recent report, the F-35 program is upgrading encryption systems with quantum-resistant cryptography to prepare for future quantum computing threats.

Source:
https://defence-blog.com/pentagon-prepares-f-35-for-quantum-computing-threat/

As the article states:
"The quantum computing threat to military cryptography has been moving from a distant concern to an active planning requirement faster than many expected. The core problem is that the encryption algorithms currently protecting most secure communications and data — including those on military platforms — were designed under the assumption that no computer could factor large numbers or solve discrete logarithm problems in any practical timeframe."

This stood out to me because discussions around quantum risk in crypto are still relatively niche, yet defense and cybersecurity sectors already appear to be preparing for long-term implications.

Separately, Lockheed Martin has a patent titled:

“Quantum Resistant Ledger for Secure Communications”

Patent source (US20240048369A1):
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20240048369A1/en

The patent discusses:

• quantum-resistant cryptography
• secure communications
• distributed ledger systems
• post-quantum security architecture

One interesting detail is that the patent text references a “Quantum Resistant Ledger” approach in the context of secure communications. This could mean that quantum-resistant blockchains might have a growing demand in real world use cases in the future.

It seems notable that a major defense contractor is researching quantum-resistant architectures while much of the broader crypto space remains focused on scalability, ETFs, and regulation.

Curious to hear different perspectives on this:

• How significant do you think the quantum threat really is for crypto?
• Do you think the crypto industry is underestimating the long-term impact of quantum computing?