Why Do Military Quantum Technologies Matter?

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Quantum technology promises to revolutionize information processing in a wide range of military and civilian applications, from artificial intelligence to supply chain optimization, drug discovery, and encryption, and a number of countries are preparing to take advantage of it. U.S., British and Australian officials already signed a defense agreement (AUKUS) at the end of last year, which includes intelligence, cyber, quantum technology, and military equipment cooperation.

When it comes to navigating, gathering intelligence, and even making weapons, the application of quantum physics principles may give the Defense Alliance a distinct advantage over other countries. Quantum technologies are expected to be increasingly used by military forces in the future, but their exact impact is still difficult to predict. There are some people who believe quantum computing will revolutionize technology like the first microprocessor did.

Scientists’ advances and new discoveries directly affect quantum technologies. Therefore, Australia is collaborating with industry, academia, and government research agencies to explore the potential of quantum technologies for defense. According to asiapacificdefencereporter.com, the initiative will eventually result in the development of prototype systems that will demonstrate how quantum systems can be utilized for security.

There are many military applications of quantum technology including metrology, simulation, imaging, sensing, timing, stealth, computing, weapons, communications, data encryption, and analyzing encrypted messages.