WASHINGTON, DC — President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14411 and Executive Order 14409 on June 22, 2026. These orders direct federal agencies to advance quantum sensor deployment and adopt post-quantum cryptography across civilian systems.

Executive Order 14411 mandates the Department of Defense to field three new types of quantum sensors by September 30, 2028. Within 60 days, the Secretary of War must identify at least three next-generation quantum sensor projects to prioritize. The Pentagon has been field-testing quantum sensors, and potential military applications include alternative forms of precision navigation for instances when GPS is jammed. GPS jamming has occurred routinely around Ukraine and the Middle East. Jack Hidary, Founder and CEO of SandBoxAQ, said, "Quantum sensing is here today [for] navigation in face of GPS jamming and spoofing."

SandBoxAQ has previously tested quantum sensing technology for the Air Force. Executive Order 14411 also directs the Department of Energy to construct at least one powerful quantum computer for scientific research. This order aims to ensure the United States maintains a strategic technical advantage across multiple quantum technologies. The Department of Commerce, Department of Energy, NASA, and the National Science Foundation are tasked with exploring quantum sensing and networking.

Executive Order 14409 focuses on enhancing cybersecurity against hackers using quantum computers. It requires replacing current encryption algorithms with post-quantum cryptography. This order affects civilian agencies and their contractors, specifically exempting national security systems. The Department of Defense plays an advisory role in the implementation of Executive Order 14409. The Department of Defense and its contractors have been working to implement post-quantum cryptography for several years.