Quantum Technology
Quantum technology has profound implications for defence and security, encompassing applications such as sensing, communication, and computing that revolutionise traditional approaches. Quantum sensing technology improves measurement accuracy in fields like navigation, exploration, and interaction with the world by detecting changes in motion electric and magnetic fields.
Implementation of quantum technology in the defence industry
Quantum sensors are being developed to detect metallic objects that generate local magnetic anomalies, such as mines. This will significantly improve the effectiveness of mine detection and clearing operations. Quantum technology also enhances positioning, navigation, and timing in military operations, ensuring that military capabilities are fully functional.
Countries like the United States and China invest heavily in quantum technology for military purposes. The United States is heavily involved in the research and development of quantum technology, recognising its potential for military applications. The US government is particularly interested in quantum sensing technology concerning defence applications.
NATO recognises the considerable military benefits of quantum technologies while acknowledging their potential for both positive and negative uses. To address future defence challenges, NATO is actively investigating quantum technology. Quantum sensing technology, in particular, is expected to enhance capabilities in underground mapping, autonomous systems, and brain scanning.
Moreover, the Navigation Innovation and Support Programme (NAVISP) by the European Space Agency (ESA) is researching the potential of quantum technology-based sensors to provide additional navigation solutions. The program aims to use highly sensitive sensors to monitor local variations in gravity, which can then be used to create regional and global gravity maps. In essence, the program is working towards inventing the future of European navigation, with a focus on the science of the very small.
China has emerged as a major player in the field of quantum technology, as evidenced by its significant investments in the sector. This investment highlights China’s impressive progress in quantum technologies with a particular focus on their applications in defense, communications, and computing. To keep up with the US and China, countries such as the UK, Germany, and France are also investing in quantum technology. Germany, for instance, has allocated over $3.3 billion in funding for a 2023 initiative.
Companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems and academic institutions like MIT, Harvard University,UCLA, Oxford and Imperial College London play a significant role in this field.
Imperial College London has developed a prototype of a quantum sensor that can be used for GPS-free navigation. The technology was tested with the Royal Navy in May 2023. Currently, navigation systems rely on global navigation satellite systems, such as GPS, which can easily be blocked or jammed, leading to inaccurate navigation. However, this quantum sensor has the potential to remove the drift, which significantly improves accuracy over long timescales. Since 2018, the technology has been refined, and now it can be tested in the field.
Effects on the Defence Industry in particularly the naval domain
Quantum sensors can detect weak signals, enhancing capabilities in radar, sonar, and navigation systems, resulting in heightened precision and improved situational awareness for military operations. Naval forces adopting quantum sensing technologies gain a strategic advantage by having access to more accurate and secure information. This can influence operational decisions, mission success, and overall naval dominance. The benefits of quantum sensing are summarised below.
- Enhanced Maritime Surveillance
Quantum sensing allows for highly sensitive detection of magnetic fields and gravimetric changes. In the naval domain, this translates to improved maritime surveillance capabilities, enabling the detection of stealthy submarines and underwater threats with greater precision.
- Improved Navigation and Positioning
Quantum sensors can enhance navigation accuracy for naval vessels. They provide more precise positioning information, critical for navigation in challenging environments. This can be particularly valuable for submarines, Unmanned Underwater Vehicles and torpedos operating in deep-sea conditions.
- Secure Communication
Quantum communication, an application of quantum technologies, can revolutionise secure communication in the naval domain. Quantum key distribution ensures unbreakable encryption, safeguarding sensitive naval communications from potential threats.
- Advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
Quantum sensing’s ability to detect subtle magnetic anomalies can significantly contribute to anti-submarine warfare. It enables the identification and tracking of underwater vessels with heightened accuracy, enhancing naval ASW capabilities.
- Quantum Radar for Stealth Detection
Quantum radar, a quantum sensing application, has the potential to detect stealthy objects, including advanced naval vessels. This technology utilizes entangled photons, offering improved radar capabilities that can counter stealth technologies.
- Reduced Vulnerability to Electronic Warfare
Quantum sensors can provide navigation and sensing capabilities that are less susceptible to electronic warfare interference. This reduces the vulnerability of naval systems to jamming and enhances their operational resilience.
There is a possibility of quantum sensors replacing global positioning systems (GPS) on the battlefield. While GPS has revolutionised warfare, it is susceptible to corruption and jamming. Although the development of quantum sensor-based systems that replace GPS needs more work, the likelihood of militaries adopting these systems is increasing.
Challenges to this technology
Technological complexity, high development costs, and specialised expertise pose challenges. Additional obstacles include ensuring scalability and reliability in real-world military environments.
Conclusions
Quantum technology represents a revolutionary shift in military capabilities, offering unparalleled advantages. Overcoming current obstacles is crucial to realising its full potential and ensuring its effective integration into military operations.
In 5-10 years, quantum technology will become more mainstream in defence applications. Increased investment and ongoing research are anticipated to address current challenges, leading to broader adoption and deployment.