NATO releases Quantum Technology Roadmap

NATO has released its Quantum Technology Roadmap, to accelerate the “understanding, adoption, and integration” of quantum capabilities across the alliance.

The roadmap was approved by NATO in July, but was publicly released on 29 September, the alliance announced. It specifically focuses on quantum computing, communication, and sensing.

According to NATO, the new roadmap builds upon its Quantum Technology Strategy from 2023, which emphasised the need for alliance members to adopt quantum capabilities to maintain a technological edge.

Such an advantage can aid in the development of communications, imaging, precise positioning, and sensing capabilities, among others, NATO says.

What is included in the Quantum Technology Roadmap?

To advance the development of quantum technologies, the following “lines of effort” are outlined in the roadmap:

• Identifying quantum technology use cases, for example through the development of annual horizon scanning reports
• Quantum technology standardisation and interoperability, including the establishment of a standardisation specialist team and a pilot deployment to trial NATO’s transition to quantum-resilient communications
• Quantum training and education across NATO
• Testing, developing, and adopting quantum-enabled solutions, for example through the NATO Digital Foundry, Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, and potentially NATO Innovation Ranges
• Safeguarding NATO against quantum risks and threats through the adoption of post-quantum cryptographic solutions and the establishment of cybersecurity frameworks, among other activities

Alongside the development of innovative capabilities, these activities are also intended to mitigate the “disruptive risks” that may arise from competition.

Additionally, the roadmap covers how quantum technologies can be used alongside other dual-use tech such as AI, space-related capabilities, and communication networks.

How will the roadmap be implemented?

NATO says that the Transatlantic Quantum Community and its industry network will be instrumental in supporting the implementation of activities outlined in the roadmap. The community was established in 2024 and is comprised of quantum experts from governments, industry, academia, and research institutions.

The community is formed of 24 NATO allies and six other partner nations.