Key Takeaways:
NATO released its Quantum Technology Roadmap on 29 September 2026, shifting from research toward practical military applications in quantum computing, secure communications (including quantum key distribution and post-quantum cryptography) and sensing for navigation and intelligence.
Parallel efforts by the United States, European Union, China, Australia and India reflect intensifying competition, with quantum sensing viewed as closest to operational use while computing and communications face ongoing technical hurdles.
The developments risk widening technological gaps for Global South countries through export controls and unequal access, underscoring the need for indigenous research, standards alignment and partnerships that avoid long-term dependence.
The growing significance of emerging technologies has transformed the relationship between technological innovation and national security. Among these developments, quantum technology (QT) is increasingly emerging as a critical instrument of strategic competition, with the potential to reshape military capabilities, intelligence gathering, secure communications and defence planning. Recognising its long-term implications, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) introduced its Quantum Technology Roadmap in September 2026, outlining a structured approach towards incorporating quantum-based applications into defence and security frameworks.
The roadmap represents an important transition from technological research towards practical military applications. It also reflects the growing recognition among major powers that technological superiority will be a decisive component of future geopolitical influence. Similar initiatives undertaken by the United States, China, the European Union, Australia and India demonstrate that quantum technology is becoming an important dimension of global strategic competition. For countries of the Global South, these developments present both opportunities for technological advancement and challenges arising from unequal access to advanced technologies.
Quantum technology is based on the principles of quantum mechanics and offers new possibilities in computing, communication and sensing. Its defence applications can be broadly understood through three major areas: quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum sensing. Quantum computing has the potential to enhance computational capacity, complex modelling, data processing and optimisation. In military contexts, these capabilities could improve strategic planning, simulation exercises, logistical management and decision-making processes. The ability to process complex information more efficiently may provide significant advantages in operational planning and defence preparedness.
Quantum communication focuses on developing highly secure communication systems. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), for instance, uses quantum principles to strengthen the security of information exchange and make unauthorised interception detectable under appropriate conditions. Alongside this, Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) involves developing encryption systems capable of resisting attacks from future quantum computers. These developments are particularly important because sufficiently powerful quantum computers could threaten certain existing cryptographic systems. Quantum sensing is another significant area, particularly for military applications. It can improve positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) capabilities, surveillance, intelligence collection, radar and imaging systems.
One of its most important applications is quantum-based inertial navigation, which could allow military platforms to maintain navigational accuracy even when access to Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) is disrupted. Among these three areas, quantum sensing is relatively closer to practical military deployment, particularly through experimental navigation systems and advanced atomic clocks. Quantum computing and quantum communication, although promising, continue to face technological and operational challenges. Therefore, the military significance of quantum technology will emerge progressively rather than through an immediate transformation of existing defence systems.
NATO’s Quantum Technology Roadmap, released on 29 September 2026, builds upon its earlier Quantum Technology Strategy of November 2023. While the strategy established the alliance’s broader technological ambitions, the roadmap provides a more practical framework for identifying, testing and adopting quantum-enabled defence solutions.
The initiative reflects NATO’s understanding of quantum technology as an important element of strategic competition. Its primary objective is to strengthen allied military capabilities while preparing member countries to address security vulnerabilities created by advances in quantum computing and related technologies. The roadmap identifies five major areas of action.
First, NATO intends to systematically identify potential military applications through annual assessments, a structured repository of defence-related use cases and the development of common evaluation criteria. This approach will help determine which technologies are sufficiently mature for operational adoption.
Second, the alliance seeks to accelerate the testing and development of quantum-enabled solutions. This includes prototype development, pilot evaluations, maritime trials and exploring a shared framework for accessing quantum computing capabilities among allied countries.
Third, standardisation and interoperability are central to the initiative. NATO intends to develop common technical standards and promote the adoption of post-quantum cryptographic systems. Such measures are essential to ensure that different national defence systems can communicate securely and operate effectively within an integrated alliance structure.
The United States has identified quantum computing and post-quantum cryptography as important national security priorities. Its defence establishment has also emphasised the need to transition towards quantum-resistant encryption systems, with a target of ensuring that defence systems support post-quantum cryptography by the end of 2030. This reflects Washington’s concern about the vulnerabilities of existing digital infrastructure and the strategic advantages associated with technological leadership.
The European Union has also expanded its investment in quantum-enabled defence applications through the European Defence Fund. Its initiatives cover areas such as atomic clocks, quantum imaging, radar, secure communication and advanced navigation. Projects including QuantaQuest and other associated research programmes demonstrate Europe’s interest in strengthening its technological capabilities and reducing dependence on external suppliers.
China represents another important actor in this emerging competition. Its emphasis on quantum technology is closely connected with its broader ambitions to achieve technological self-reliance and strengthen its position in advanced scientific research. China’s policy direction increasingly focuses on moving beyond research and development towards commercialisation, particularly in quantum computing and communication networks. Its military research activities also indicate an interest in exploring the potential applications of quantum technology in cyber operations and national security.
Australia has similarly begun to give greater importance to quantum technology within its defence planning. Its participation in AUKUS, particularly under Pillar II, provides opportunities for cooperation in advanced technologies, including quantum applications. The AUKUS Quantum Arrangement reflects the growing interest in developing military capabilities through technological collaboration among partner countries.
India has also taken steps towards incorporating quantum technology into its defence architecture. The Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework, introduced in February 2026 by the Chief of Defence Staff, represents an effort to establish a long-term vision for integrating quantum applications across the armed forces. Furthermore, government-supported innovation initiatives, including Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), provide opportunities for domestic startups to develop defence-related technological solutions.
Two major developments explain the accelerating international interest in quantum technology. First, scientific advancements have brought several quantum applications closer to practical implementation. Progress in quantum error correction, computing and secure communication has increased expectations regarding their future commercial and military utility. Developments in quantum sensing are particularly significant because experimental navigation systems and atomic clocks have demonstrated potential applications in real-world defence environments.
Nevertheless, challenges relating to size, weight, power consumption, cost and operational reliability continue to restrict large-scale deployment. Second, contemporary military conflicts have demonstrated the growing importance of technological capabilities in determining battlefield effectiveness. The conflicts in Ukraine and Iran have reinforced the significance of cybersecurity, intelligence gathering, electronic systems and reliable navigation infrastructure. In such circumstances, quantum technology could provide additional advantages by improving military communication, navigation, surveillance and information-processing capabilities.
The growing integration of quantum technology into defence systems has significant implications for the international distribution of power. As major powers invest in advanced research and establish technological standards, access to quantum capabilities may increasingly become a source of strategic advantage. However, the expansion of technological nationalism and export controls could create additional barriers for developing countries. Restrictions on the transfer of sensitive technologies, limited research infrastructure and unequal access to financial resources may widen the technological gap between advanced economies and the Global South.
For countries such as India, this situation highlights the importance of developing indigenous research capabilities, investing in scientific education, strengthening public-private partnerships and promoting cooperation with technologically advanced countries. International collaboration should complement domestic innovation rather than create long-term dependence on external suppliers.
About Dr. Sharanpreet Kaur
Dr. Sharanpreet Kaur is an Assistant Professor of International Relations at School of Social Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar (Punjab) and her thrust area of research is India’s Foreign Policy with specialisation in Indo-US Nuclear and Defence Cooperation. She is the author of the book “India’s Soft Power Diplomacy: Prospects, Challenges and Way Forward”. She is also a columnist for The Daily Guardian and has written on issues related to India's Foreign Policy. She has also been the Subject Expert for 5 Social Impact Assessment projects for Land acquisition under Punjab Government and has contributed chapters for Reports regarding the same. She has been actively involved with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA) and think tanks like Centre for Civil Society and Students for Liberty. Dr. Kaur's research and writing modules include Diplomacy, India's Foreign Policy, Politics of South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia. She has been awarded the Young Researcher Award 2023 by Institute of Scholars (InSc), an ISO certified and registered body under Ministry of MSME and Corporate Affairs. She has also been awarded for her Contribution to Education Community by Women Leaders Forum. She has also been featured among 100 Inspiring Women 2023 by Fox Story India.
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