Two executive orders signed today direct the Defense Department to field three new types of quantum sensors by 2028, assist the Energy Department in building a quantum supercomputer, and advise other agencies on defeating quantum hackers.
The executive order reflects a recognized urgency within the Pentagon to advance quantum capabilities for both offense and defense, driven by increasing geopolitical competition and the maturation of quantum research.
This initiative signifies a clear directed effort by the US government to lead in quantum technologies, which will have profound implications for national security, cryptography, and sensing capabilities.
The explicit mandate for fielding quantum sensors by 2028 and building a quantum supercomputer creates a concrete timeline and concerted effort for what was previously more diffuse research.
- · US Defense Industrial Base
- · Quantum Computing Researchers
- · Energy Department
- · Adversaries relying on current encryption standards
- · Nations lagging in quantum R&D
Accelerated development and deployment of quantum sensors and computing infrastructure for defense applications.
A significant increase in investment and talent flow towards quantum technologies, potentially creating a quantum arms race.
The eventual shift to post-quantum cryptography across critical infrastructure due to the threat posed by quantum computing.
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Read at Breaking Defense