In recent years, breakthroughs in our understanding of the physical and relational properties of the subatomic universe have coincided with major increases in state funding and commercial development of quantum science and technology. Initially distinguished by high levels of international scientific cooperation, a ‘quantum race’ is heating up across multiple sectors and between major powers, who recognise that technological prowess will be a key determinant of geostrategic, as well as economic supremacy in the 21st century. Quantum is seen as a critical emerging technology in this rivalry, with the potential for full-spectrum applications in warfare, including quantum computers that enhance the capabilities of AI and machine learning, improve the performance of lethal autonomous weapons systems and increase the capacity for analysing large datasets; quantum algorithms that break classical encryption while quantum networks provide completely secure communications; and quantum sensors that provide more sensitive detection, measurement and control of the physical environment. In a densely networked, information-saturated battlespace requiring accelerated decision-making, quantum computers, communications, control and artificial intelligence (QC3AI) has the potential to further reduce the human element in future warfare.
In recent years, breakthroughs in our understanding of the physical and relational properties of the subatomic universe have coincided with major increases in state funding and commercial development of quantum science and technology. Initially distinguished by high levels of international scientific cooperation, a ‘quantum race’ is heating up across multiple sectors and between major powers, who recognise that technological prowess will be a key determinant of geostrategic, as well as economic supremacy in the 21st century. Quantum is seen as a critical emerging technology in this rivalry, with the potential for full-spectrum applications in warfare, including quantum computers that enhance the capabilities of AI and machine learning, improve the performance of lethal autonomous weapons systems and increase the capacity for analysing large datasets; quantum algorithms that break classical encryption while quantum networks provide completely secure communications; and quantum sensors that provide more sensitive detection, measurement and control of the physical environment. In a densely networked, information-saturated battlespace requiring accelerated decision-making, quantum computers, communications, control and artificial intelligence (QC3AI) has the potential to further reduce the human element in future warfare.
Geopolitical concerns in Asia have intensified, driving countries to bolster their border security and upgrade their military capabilities. With new and complex threats emerging, governments must invest in advanced defense technologies to maintain strategic stability and deter large-scale conflicts. The deployment and development of advanced military technologies is one of the key focuses. Surveillance largely contributes to situational awareness, fortifying defense and response time, making it the perfect tool for drones, AI-driven surveillance systems, cyber warfare capabilities, and anti-ship missiles. Such technologies enable countries to detect, prevent, and counter threats efficiently, thus making them essential in 21st-century warfare. In addition to the arms race in conventional defense, we're seeing increasingly base forms of international competition, particularly around advanced technologies like space-based reconnaissance, quantum encryption, and hypersonic weapons.Additionally, employing features such as AI surveillance systems, smart defense systems, and civil forces will be needed to stop wars before they happen. Governments must ensure they are attending to the urgent and game-changing elements, such as early-warning systems, predictive analytics, and automated threat response technologies that make for speedy and effective crisis management. It’s critical to tighten cybersecurity infrastructure, as cyberattacks against military and governmental networks are increasing. Modernization efforts for an agile and resilient military force require substantial investment in R&D and defense infrastructure. New developments in autonomous defense systems, robotics, and advanced missile systems are key pieces in deterring aggression and protecting national interests.
Quantum technologies are moving from foundational science toward engineered systems in sensing and metrology, computing and simulation, communication and networking, and security. The transition is uneven in technological maturity: atomic clocks and several quantum sensors are operational; quantum key distribution has reached field deployment but remains constrained by integration, assurance and network architecture; post-quantum cryptography is entering standards-based migration; and general-purpose fault-tolerant quantum computing remains an engineering objective despite major progress in error correction. This treatise develops a mathematically grounded and application-oriented account of what quantum technologies are, what physical resources they exploit, what advantages have been proved or demonstrated, and where claims remain speculative. It distinguishes among scientific feasibility, engineering readiness, operational utility, economic value and societal legitimacy. Across fundamental physics, Earth and space sciences, environmental monitoring, health and life sciences, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, hazards, defense, finance, decision support and AI-enabled systems, this work identifies bottlenecks and proposes a systems roadmap for robust, scalable, efficient, verifiable and responsible quantum-enabled capabilities.
Quantum technology is an emergent area with the potential to be disruptive and ability to affect many human activities. Quantum technologies are dual-use technologies, and as such, they are the subject of interest for the defence and security industry and military and governmental actors. This report aims to review and map the possible quantum technology military applications to serve as the entry point for international peace and international security assessment, ethics research or military and governmental policy, strategy and decision making. Quantum technologies for military applications, introducing new capabilities, increasing effectiveness and improving precision lead to 'quantum warfare', wherein new military strategies, doctrines, policies and ethics should be established. This report provides a basic overview of quantum technologies under development where the expected time scale of delivery or utilisation impact are estimated. The particular applications of quantum technology for the military are described for various warfare domains (e.g., cyber, space, electronic, underwater warfare, or intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance), and related issues and challenges are articulated.
Quantum communication and quantum sensing, which leverage the unique characteristics of quantum systems, enable information-theoretically secure communication and high-precision measurement of physical quantities. However, they both face numerous challenges on the path to practical application. Artificial intelligence (AI), as a major technological advancement in current scientific landscape, offers powerful data processing and analytical capabilities, providing new ideas and methods for optimizing and enhancing quantum communication and sensing systems. In quantum communication, AI techniques have greatly improved the performance and security of quantum key distribution, quantum memory, and quantum networks through parameter optimization, real-time feedback control, and attack detection. In quantum sensing, quantum sensing technology enables ultra-high sensitivity detection of physical quantities such as time and magnetic fields. The introduction of AI has opened up new avenues for achieving high-precision and high-sensitivity quantum measurements. With AI, sensor performance is optimized, and measurement accuracy is further enhanced through data analysis. This paper also analyzes the current challenges in using AI to empower quantum communication and sensing systems, such as implementing efficient algorithm deployment and system feedback control under limited computational resources, and addressing complex task environments, dynamically changing scenarios, and multi-task coordination requirements. Finally, this paper discusses and envisions future development prospects in this field.
The rapid development of science and technology is driving the shape of electronic warfare to change dramatically, especially under the influence of quantum communication and artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This article comprehensively explores innovative approaches to the development of electronic warfare readiness in the 21st century, with a focus on the composite application of quantum communication technology and artificial intelligence technology in modern electronic warfare equipment. The non-reproducibility and anti-interference characteristics of quantum communication, as well as the rapid decision making and learning ability of artificial intelligence, are studied in this paper, and the impact of this technology fusion on the strategy and tactical execution of electronic warfare is further discussed. Using quantum communication, the communication security of electronic warfare system is greatly enhanced. The introduction of artificial intelligence can optimize tactical decisions and improve response speed. In addition, the paper also discusses the far-reaching impact of these technological integration on the global strategic security pattern, pointing out that it will promote the change of electronic tactics and bring new strategic competition focus. Finally, the paper puts forward some suggestions for the future research and development of electronic warfare equipment, emphasizing the need to find a balance between technical advantages and ethical regulations.