Allies approved a plan to prepare armed forces for quantum computing on July 30, 2026, signaling a shift from aspiration to action for NATO. The newly released quantum technology roadmap focuses on computing, communication, and sensing, and examines how these technologies intersect with artificial intelligence. Discussions at the Transatlantic Quantum Community meeting in Washington D.C. on September 24-25 highlighted potential impacts on secure communications and critical infrastructure. The roadmap builds on NATO’s 2023 Quantum Strategy and will rely on collaboration with industry and academia to mitigate risks and harness new capabilities.
NATO Roadmap Focuses on Quantum Computing, Communication, and Sensing
NATO’s recently approved quantum technology roadmap, endorsed by Allies on July 30, 2026, prioritizes quantum sensing alongside computing and communication, as revealed in the public summary released on September 29. This emphasis extends beyond theoretical vulnerability assessments to practical experimentation. the NATO Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) and the Transatlantic Quantum Community (TQC) Industry Network conducted the Questor 26 campaign in La Spezia, Italy, earlier this month, exploring quantum sensing applications for Positioning and Navigation (PNT). The roadmap’s development builds on the 2023 NATO Quantum Strategy, now moving toward implementation through collaboration with industry and academic partners via the TQC and its Industry Network.
Discussions at the TQC meeting in Washington D.C. According to the released summary, “How advances in quantum computing could affect secure communications, critical infrastructure, intelligence, strategic stability and crisis decision-making” was a central theme of the meeting. A key consideration within the roadmap is the convergence of artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, a potentially disruptive intersection that NATO is actively evaluating for defence and security implications.
This assessment goes beyond isolated quantum capabilities, recognizing that combined technologies could present unforeseen challenges and opportunities. The TQC also welcomed Belgium and Bulgaria, who officially joined 22 other Allies and six partner nations participating in the community. On May 12, 2026, the Netherlands became the Chair of the TQC for one year, with Canada as Vice-Chair. Established in 2024, the TQC is a non-binding informal community of quantum experts from national governments, industry, academia, and funding bodies.
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