Implications of Quantum Information Processing On Military Operations

Ajey Lele

Szilveszter Szeleczki

In today's information-based society, computer technology is developing rapidly, and thus the speed of operations is increasing exponentially. Fast and dynamic information processing has become one of the basic needs of countries and their organizations. Furthermore, higher levels of info-communication technologies can also be detected. In the field of computing, quantum computers are becoming more and more popular, and their current development process is particularly intense, which in turn has triggered a kind of competition between the countries interested in the subject. The estimated future usability of quantum computers for humans is currently being outlined. Regarding to the new computing capabilities, quantum informatics is closely related to artificial intelligence and military forces can gain unprecedented information superiority through the development.

M. Krelina

Jessie Chen, Jakub M. Szefer

The security and confidentiality of sensitive information processed by quantum computers are of paramount importance, especially given quantum computers' potential to efficiently solve classically-hard optimization problems. At the heart of many transport optimization tasks lies the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP), a complex combinatorial optimization problem classified as NP-hard. However, a promising avenue for approximating solutions to VRP is found in the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA). This paper demonstrates how leaking and learning simple parameters from QAOA quantum circuit structures, enables attackers to learn about the problem being solved. In routing optimization scenarios used by the military, for example, the attacker can learn location or connection of military bases. By exploiting information leakage during the QAOA execution, attackers can potentially breach security and retrieve sensitive VRP details, posing profound implications for civilian and national security.

Patrik Novosad

In this paper we present a structured framework for introducing quantum programming into defence-oriented education and we argue that early literacy in quantum technologies is essential for future military officers. Motivated by the rapid progress of quantum processors and the growing impact of quantum algorithms on cryptanalysis, optimisation, and data processing, we outline both the opportunities and security risks that quantum computing brings to national defence systems. The first part of paper provides a concise introduction to quantum computing fundamentals, including the nature of qubits, superposition and measurement, the action of key quantum gates, and the construction of multi-qubit states through tensor products. The second part demonstrates these principles through simple quantum circuits implemented in Python using Qiskit, illustrating phenomena such as the creation of a maximally entangled two-qubit state and an analogue of the Monty Hall paradox. By combining mathematical concepts with hands-on experimentation in a controlled simulation environment, the proposed teaching approach highlights the operational relevance of quantum thinking for cadets preparing for roles in cyber defence, signals and communications, electronic warfare, and intelligence analysis. The article concludes that integrating quantum programming into military education enhances technological preparedness and strengthens the ability of defence institutions to anticipate quantum-era challenges, including the transition to quantum-resistant cryptography and the incorporation of quantum technologies into multidomain operations.

Joan Bas, Marta Irene García Cid, Francisco Sánchez +8 more