Quantum Sensing (QS) is a sub-category of Quantum Technologies (QT). Within defence and military domains, QT is considered an Emerging Disrupting Technology (EDT). QS leverages the properties of Quantum mechanics (QM) to develop and introduce a new family of sensors that are unmatched in performance compared with classical sensors. As such, QS might have the ability to break current stealth technologies and detect avionics, underground facilities, or undersea objects such as submarines and man-made structures, which are key capabilities of a Nuclear Deterrence (NT) strategy. This paper examines the current development in QS and the potential impact of this EDT on military operations with a focus on nuclear deterrence.
Quantum Sensing (QS) is a sub-category of Quantum Technologies (QT). Within defence and military domains, QT is considered an Emerging Disrupting Technology (EDT). QS leverages the properties of Quantum mechanics (QM) to develop and introduce a new family of sensors that are unmatched in performance compared with classical sensors. As such, QS might have the ability to break current stealth technologies and detect avionics, underground facilities, or undersea objects such as submarines and man-made structures, which are key capabilities of a Nuclear Deterrence (NT) strategy. This paper examines the current development in QS and the potential impact of this EDT on military operations with a focus on nuclear deterrence.
While the fundamental nature of war remains constant, military strategies continue to evolve in response to capabilities enabled by new technologies. Therefore, military leaders must be aware of emerging and disruptive technologies to maintain forces that are relevant. One such technology is quantum technology, which has received a great deal of attention in the past few years due to its potential application in a wide range of areas. Particularly, quantum technology promises breakthroughs in various domains of warfare by significantly enhancing current military technology. This article explores three major defense applications of quantum technology—quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communication—and their impact on future warfare based on realistic assessment.
This review explores a very relevant and actual subject: the strategic role of quantum sensors in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense, emphasizing their potential to transform military capabilities and strengthen national security. Based on the principles of the Second Quantum Revolution such as superposition, entanglement, and coherence the study examines technologies for developing highly sensitive sensors. It differentiates sensors and detectors and details chemical, biological, and nuclear detection systems. Topics include electrochemical, optical, gas, and biosensors, as well as quantum dots, graphene quantum dots, and surface plasmon resonance. Military applications of quantum interferometers, gravimeters, and magnetometers are discussed, particularly in GPS-denied or underground environments. Despite their disruptive potential, challenges such as miniaturization, integration, and cost still limit operational deployment. The study concludes that quantum sensors are a disruptive and promising tool for real-time CBRN threat monitoring and response, requiring continued global research and investment.
Abstract Quantum technology is an emergent and potentially disruptive discipline, with the ability to affect many human activities. Quantum technologies are dual-use technologies, and as such are of interest to the defence and security industry and military and governmental actors. This report reviews and maps the possible quantum technology military applications, serving as an entry point for international peace and security assessment, ethics research, military and governmental policy, strategy and decision making. Quantum technologies for military applications introduce new capabilities, improving effectiveness and increasing precision, thus leading 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, also estimating the expected time scale of delivery or the utilisation impact. Particular military applications of quantum technology are described for various warfare domains (e.g. land, air, space, electronic, cyber and underwater warfare and ISTAR—intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance), and related issues and challenges are articulated.
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 technology (QT) is an emergent area with the potential to be disruptive and affect many human activities. QT also is a typical technology with significant dual-use applications. Specifically, the potential QT military applications were recently mapped. Although QTs do not introduce any new standalone weapon systems, they can significantly sharpen present weapon systems as well as command and control systems, including in the cyber domain. On the other hand, they also can provide non-eavesdropping secure communication or enhanced medical imaging. This contribution aims to introduce QTs and their possible applications, current status and activities related to the defence sector. Then, the military-related applications will be discussed more in detail, and potential problems for international security will be mentioned. In the end, we provide arguments why QTs should be assessed, and we ask selected questions that should be answered.
The battlefield in the coming years is poised to enter a new phase of the Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA), potentially marking another transformative evolution. This is due to the ‘quantum ecosystems’ or simply quantum technology’s ability to supersede traditional technologies based on classical physics. The paper explores how quantum technology is poised to bring about changes in military affairs. Advancements in weapons, sensors, targeting capabilities, striking precision, and communications will significantly enhance military capabilities. The first half of the paper examines the elements of the RMA to assess whether they hold a comparable impact on warfare. The second section evaluates the potential influence of quantum technologies on future military affairs. The paper concludes that, although quantum technology is often portrayed as revolutionary, its current impact remains largely theoretical, as it has not yet been operationally deployed.