Michal Krelina
Quantum technology has quickly become a topic of keen interest for governments, military institutions and private industry. After more than a century of research into quantum mechanics, a ‘second quantum revolution’ is taking place that focuses on controlling the quantum properties of individual particles—such as electrons and photons. This shift from merely understanding quantum systems to deliberately engineering them has opened up new frontiers in computing, communications, sensing and more that could be applied in ways that disrupt international security. For policymakers, the stakes are high: quantum innovations offer major advantages for defence and security—from secure communications to advanced sensing—but they also pose significant risks if adversaries achieve a technological edge.1
This background paper aims to provide a clear, concise overview of military-relevant quantum technology. It begins (in section I) by explaining what quantum technology is and why it differs so much from conventional approaches. It does this by classifying the field into three main categories— quantum computing, quantum communications and quantum sensing—highlighting how each area is advancing and what that might mean for defence. It then (in section II) discusses key military applications that are currently the most advanced or strategically significant—such as secure quantum networks and advanced sensing devices—before turning (in section III) to the broader international security picture. By the conclusions (in section IV), military and security policymakers should understand why quantum technology is strategically important, how it may reshape military capabilities and defence planning, and what steps might be necessary to navigate its rapid development and proliferation. I. What is quantum technology?
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