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Why quantum technology matters for defence

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 9:48 GMT by The Globe and Mail
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Why Quantum Technology Is a New Cornerstone of Modern Defense

Quantum technology—once the subject of science‑fiction headlines—has crossed the threshold from laboratory curiosity to a strategic imperative for national security. A new feature in The Globe & Mail explains why the Canadian government, along with its allies, is racing to harness quantum computing, sensing, and cryptography to secure the battlefield of the twenty‑first century.

1. The Quantum Revolution and Its Military Relevance

At its core, quantum technology exploits the strange properties of particles that are both waves and points, that can exist in multiple states at once, and that become irrevocably linked over distances. These quirks open a range of capabilities that classical systems cannot match.

• Quantum Computing – A quantum computer can process vast numbers of possibilities simultaneously, a property called superposition. For defense, this translates into the ability to break encryption schemes that are currently considered unbreakable. While quantum computers remain in the prototype stage, their potential to crack AES‑256 or RSA‑2048 is a chilling prospect for any nation that relies on encrypted communications.

• Quantum Sensors and Navigation – Entangled photons can be used for highly accurate timing and positioning. A quantum GPS replacement would render a nation immune to spoofing and jamming—a critical advantage in contested airspace or undersea warfare where traditional satellite navigation can be denied or manipulated.

• Quantum Communications – Quantum key distribution (QKD) promises unhackable encryption. By encoding data in quantum states, any eavesdropper will disturb the system and be detected, ensuring that classified information remains secret.

• Quantum Radar and Imaging – Though still experimental, quantum radar could detect stealth aircraft or submarine hulls by exploiting entangled photon pairs. The technology could deliver clearer, higher‑resolution images even when conventional radar is jammed.

These capabilities, if integrated into armed forces, would give a nation a decisive edge in intelligence, surveillance, and rapid decision‑making cycles.

2. Canada’s Strategic Imperative

Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND) is actively exploring quantum applications. In a recent press release linked by the Globe & Mail article, the DND outlined a multi‑pronged approach:

1. Investing in National Research – Funding is being allocated to universities and the National Research Council (NRC) to develop quantum hardware and software tailored for defense scenarios.

2. International Collaboration – Canada is partnering with the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia under the Quad‑Quantum Initiative to share research, develop joint standards, and create a coordinated defense strategy.

3. Cybersecurity – Recognizing that quantum computing could also be a tool for adversaries, the DND is working with the Canadian Cyber Security Centre (CCSC) to develop quantum‑resistant cryptographic protocols.

4. Workforce Development – The article notes that Canada’s defense budget now earmarks resources for training a new generation of quantum engineers and physicists, ensuring a talent pipeline that can keep pace with rapid technological change.

These steps underscore that Canada views quantum technology not as a luxury, but as a core capability for safeguarding sovereignty.

3. The Global Quantum Arms Race

The Globe & Mail feature places Canada’s efforts in a broader geopolitical context. Nations that lead in quantum research—particularly the United States, China, and the European Union—are setting the pace for military applications. The article highlights the U.S. Department of Defense’s “Quantum Information Science Initiative” and the EU’s “Quantum Flagship” as key reference points.

China’s rapid deployment of quantum satellites (such as the Micius satellite) demonstrates that adversaries are already testing operational quantum communication and navigation. The article stresses that while the U.S. and EU have the most advanced quantum labs, the pace of progress is accelerating, and any lag in Canada could translate into a strategic disadvantage.

4. Threats and Ethical Concerns

Quantum technology is a double‑edged sword. While it offers defense advantages, it also presents new vulnerabilities. The Globe & Mail piece discusses potential “quantum-enabled cyber attacks” that could render existing encryption obsolete, leaving critical infrastructure exposed. Moreover, the deployment of quantum radar raises privacy concerns and raises questions about compliance with international treaties on surveillance.

Canada’s policy makers are grappling with these dilemmas. The article cites a recent briefing by the Parliamentary Committee on National Defense, where experts warned that “unregulated quantum proliferation could destabilize the security architecture of the Indo‑Pacific.”

5. Funding and Policy: The Numbers

The article includes a table of recent Canadian government spending on quantum research, showing a five‑year increase from $12 million to $55 million. This surge is part of a larger “Digital National Security Strategy” that sees quantum as a priority alongside artificial intelligence and cyber resilience.

In addition to federal funding, the Globe & Mail article highlights the role of the Canadian Armed Forces in setting procurement standards for quantum hardware. The Defence Acquisition and Construction Canada (DACC) is in the early stages of drafting procurement guidelines that will incorporate quantum‑ready hardware, ensuring that future acquisitions are future‑proof.

6. What Comes Next

The article concludes that quantum technology is still in its infancy, but the stakes are high. Canadian defense leaders are urging accelerated research, greater public‑private partnerships, and stronger international cooperation. By investing now, Canada hopes to secure its position in a domain where the next breakthrough could decide whether a nation can protect its citizens, maintain strategic deterrence, and contribute to global stability.

In sum, the Globe & Mail’s feature paints a compelling picture: quantum technology is not an abstract scientific curiosity—it is the next frontier in defense. The country that can best understand, develop, and deploy quantum capabilities will shape the security landscape for decades to come. The question for Canada, and indeed for every nation, is whether it will keep pace or fall behind.