Why defence shouldn't wait for the perfect quantum requirement

Quantum technology presents defence with an unusual challenge. Developers need clearly defined problems to solve, but customers cannot always define detailed requirements for technologies whose full practical applications are still emerging.

Waiting for complete certainty risks slowing progress. The more useful question is not, “What is our quantum requirement?” but “Which operational problems could emerging technology help us solve, and how can we test that safely and realistically?”

Close the gap through experimentation

Quantum developers understand the science but are less familiar with the language of military capability and operational advantage. Defence users understand the mission but may not yet see what quantum technology could realistically achieve in practice. Progress depends on closer collaboration and bringing these perspectives together around defined operational challenges.

Rather than attempting to address quantum through one large programme, organisations can explore smaller problems, test potential solutions and use the evidence to guide subsequent investment. This creates a continuous cycle of development, demonstration and learning.

Design for quantum

Defence does not need to build every new platform around quantum technology today. However, systems being designed now should allow for future quantum-enabled upgrades so that they become part of business as usual operations.

Much like modern vehicles are designed to support new software features over time, or smartphones can adopt capabilities that did not exist when they were first released, defence platforms should be built with the flexibility to integrate emerging quantum technologies as they mature. This also requires stronger quantum systems engineering expertise across the defence sector, so organisations can assess emerging technologies and understand how they can be integrated into platforms, systems and networks across the defence ecosystem.

Move from scientific promise to operational confidence

Quantum technology has the potential to deliver transformative advantages across defence, from navigation and sensing to communications and computing. But the future of quantum in defence is unlikely to depend on one breakthrough. It will depend on the ability of customers, established industry and specialist technology companies to explore operational problems together, evaluate technologies in relevant environments and apply what they learn.

The goal is not to adopt quantum for its own sake. It is to identify where it can provide meaningful operational advantage and create a credible route from scientific possibility to trusted capability.

As a trusted partner to defence, QinetiQ works across government, industry and academia to help translate emerging quantum technologies into practical capability, supporting experimentation, evaluation and informed decision-making.

Get in touch with our quantum team.