A recent NATO publication discusses the importance of quantum technologies in security and defense. It highlights the role of NATO in fostering the development of quantum technologies and the potential of these technologies to revolutionize fields such as encryption and communication. The publication also mentions the Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme’s role in developing quantum technologies and the various research collaborations it has supported. It provides examples of projects focused on quantum communications, quantum sensing, and quantum computing.
At the Copenhagen Quantum Conference in 2023, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of adapting to new technologies, including quantum, for security purposes. He highlighted the potential of quantum-based technologies to revolutionize encryption and communication. NATO is developing a Quantum Strategy to integrate these technologies into its security framework. The Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme is playing a key role in this, fostering cooperation among NATO allies and partner countries. In 2023, the SPS Programme completed two quantum-focused projects and engaged nearly 40 universities and research institutes in ongoing research collaborations.
NATO’s Embrace of Quantum Technologies
At the Copenhagen Quantum Conference in 2023, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted the importance of adapting to and adopting new technologies, including quantum, to ensure safety. He emphasized the need for collaboration between public, private, and academic sectors in this endeavor. Quantum-based technologies, still in their early stages, have the potential to significantly change the way we view global security.
A fully functioning quantum computer could revolutionize encryption and communication, making current methods of securing information obsolete. Future quantum-sensing technologies could provide precise Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) in environments where Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are denied, without the need for satellites or ground stations.
“NATO “has always adapted to and adopted new technologies to keep our people safe” and that “with the rapid spread of disruptive technologies, we must adapt further and faster than ever before, including in the field of quantum.”
Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General
Governments worldwide are developing national quantum strategies, and NATO is working to integrate quantum technologies into its existing security framework and protect against adversarial use. NATO’s Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme is playing a significant role in developing quantum technologies, fostering cooperation among NATO allies and partner countries on security-related science and innovation.
Quantum Technologies and Global Security
Quantum technologies are becoming a central focus for NATO and national administrations worldwide. The SPS Programme is expanding its activities in quantum communications, quantum sensing, and quantum computing. In 2023, the SPS Programme completed two quantum-focused Multi-Year Projects and engaged nearly 40 universities and research institutes in NATO allied and partner countries in ongoing research collaborations.
The SPS Programme is supporting a growing portfolio of activities aimed at testing the boundaries of quantum technologies and their impact on the rapidly evolving global security landscape. Collaborations between scientists from NATO and partner nations are exploring systems for encryption and secure transmission of information, focusing on the potential of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) in real-world environments.
Quantum Communications and Security
Communication networks are a fundamental part of today’s information technology infrastructure. The rapid advance of quantum technologies is impacting the requirements and capabilities for securely communicating over such networks. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a secure communication method that exploits quantum mechanics to distribute and share keys necessary for cryptographic protocols. Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) builds on mathematical problems that are considered intractable, even in the presence of large-scale quantum computers.
Quantum Sensing and Detection
Quantum mechanics can be employed to implement innovative sensors, using quantum systems or phenomena as probes for the quantum or classical environment. Quantum-enhanced sensing can enable unprecedented performance in terms of accuracy, stability, sensitivity, and precision. Quantum sensors have recently emerged as a promising technology for a variety of applications, ranging from imaging, detection of substances, to autonomous navigation.
Quantum Computing and Enabling Technologies
Quantum computing is a multidisciplinary field that utilizes quantum mechanics to solve complex problems faster than classical computers. Research activities around quantum magnonics, spintronics, transparent electronics, quantum optics, and quantum information science contribute to the advancements in this field and can represent a breakthrough for novel applications in quantum computing.
“The future is full of uncertainty, and NATO continues to prepare to face tomorrow’s challenges. Due to the unique qualities and potential of quantum technologies, NATO has a strategic approach to ensure a coherent, innovative approach to staying ahead in the quantum race and to becoming quantum-ready by 2030.”
David van Weel, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges
Quick Summary
NATO is focusing on the integration of quantum technologies into its security framework, with potential applications in encryption, communication, and precise navigation. The organisation is fostering a transatlantic quantum community, with its Science for Peace and Security Programme playing a significant role in developing quantum technologies and facilitating cooperation among NATO allies and partner countries.
- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted the importance of adopting quantum technologies for security at the Copenhagen Quantum Conference in 2023.
- Quantum-based technologies are still in their early stages but have the potential to revolutionise encryption and communication, making current methods obsolete.
- Quantum-sensing technologies could provide precise Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) in environments without the need for satellites or ground stations.
- Governments worldwide are developing national quantum strategies, and NATO is integrating quantum technologies into its existing security framework.
- NATO’s Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme is playing a significant role in developing quantum technologies, fostering cooperation among NATO allies and partner countries.
- In 2023, the SPS Programme completed two quantum-focused Multi-Year Projects and engaged nearly 40 universities and research institutes in ongoing research collaborations.
- The SPS Programme is expanding its activities in quantum communications, quantum sensing, and quantum computing.
- Quantum technologies are becoming a central focus for NATO and national administrations globally.
