https://doi.org/10.1140/epjqt/s40507-021-00113-y
Review
Quantum technology for military applications
1
Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Brehova 7, Prague, Czech Republic
2
Quantum Phi s.r.o., Bryksova 944, Prague, Czech Republic
Received:
6
April
2021
Accepted:
25
October
2021
Published online:
6
November
2021
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.
Key words: Quantum warfare / Quantum technology / Quantum computing / Quantum sensing / Quantum network / Quantum radar / Quantum imaging / Military applications / Quantum security / Dual-use technology
© The Author(s) 2021
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