Though now nascent, quantum science could have significant implications for national security. By taking simple pragmatic steps today, government leaders can prepare their organizations for the coming quantum future.

1. The realist’s guide to
quantum technology and
national security
June 2020

2. The realist’s guide to quantum technology and national securityCopyright © 2020 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved. 2
Quantum information technologies will almost certainly
have significant impacts on national security.
Government leaders, even those in nontechnical positions,
should have a basic understanding of quantum systems and
the emerging national security challenges so they can take
steps to protect information and prepare their
organizations, teams, and business practices for the
quantum world.

3. The realist’s guide to quantum technology and national securityCopyright © 2020 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved. 3
At a very basic level, quantum principles such as “superposition” and “entanglement” allow subatomic
particles to interact and share information in ways not possible for classical electronic components.
What is quantum?
Source: Deloitte Analysis

4. The realist’s guide to quantum technology and national securityCopyright © 2020 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved. 4
When applied in new forms of technology, quantum principles offer
novel methods of computing, sharing, and encrypting data.
From safeguarding secrets to creating military logistics plans, data
underpins everything in national security. So new ways to handle that
data can create a host of new opportunities.
Quantum applications

5. The realist’s guide to quantum technology and national securityCopyright © 2020 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved. 5
Advanced quantum information technologies may affect some of the most important national security tools
and tasks, such as intelligence collection, solution optimization, encryption, stealth technology, computer
processing, and communications
But the exact national security impacts will depend on the type of quantum technology:
Quantum’s uses in national security
Quantum communicationQuantum computing Quantum measurement

6. The realist’s guide to quantum technology and national securityCopyright © 2020 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved. 6
National security uses of Quantum computing
The Technology
Quantum computing harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform computations in fundamentally
different ways than classical computers. This can make quantum computers good at solving certain types of
problems that challenge classical computers.
National Security Uses
Quantum computers enhanced problem-solving ability can break down some current forms of encryption relatively
easily, while also helping solve many national security problems, such as logistics optimization or wargaming.
The Implications
Governments need to enhance efforts to protect data by doubling down on traditional cyber security. In addition,
leaders should spend time thinking about which problems within their organization could be impacted by quantum
computers and investigate quantum resistant encryption techniques.

7. The realist’s guide to quantum technology and national securityCopyright © 2020 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved. 7
National security uses of Quantum communication
The Technology
The unique principles of quantum mechanics also offer novel methods for securing communications by creating
communication techniques more resilient to interception.
National Security Uses
Quantum communication can create a more secure method of sending and receiving sensitive national security
information by providing secure point-to-point communication channels.
The Implications
The difficulty of intercepting quantum communications may shift intelligence collection to other links in the
communication chain. It also creates an opportunity to provide more secure communication for and between
government organizations.

8. The realist’s guide to quantum technology and national securityCopyright © 2020 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved. 8
National security uses of Quantum measurement
The Technology
Quantum measurement leverage precise manipulation of sub-atomic particles to detect minute changes in
information. Quantum measurement can help create new forms of cameras, radars, and other measurement
systems.
National Security Uses
Quantum measurement systems may have a wide variety of national security uses. For example, quantum RADAR
may be used to detect stealth aircrafts, quantum gravimetry to detect submarines and bunkers, and quantum timing
to guide missiles without GPS.
The Implications
The ultimate implications are uncertain, but may include a rebalance in advantage between attackers and
defenders. Defenders may gain greater ability to detect offensive forces, and attackers may gain protection from
GPS jamming and other denial methods.

9. The realist’s guide to quantum technology and national securityCopyright © 2020 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved. 9
Start Preparing Today: What government can do today to be ready for
the quantum world of tomorrow:
• Practice good cybersecurity hygiene
• Know your data and systems
• Develop basic understanding of science and technology
• Support basic research and education
• Connect with experts
• Bring quantum into the strategic planning process
How to be ready?

10. The realist’s guide to quantum technology and national securityCopyright © 2020 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved. 10
Want to learn more?
Read the full article at:
https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/public-sector/the-impact-of-quantum-
technology-on-national-security
Want to begin?
If you are interested in starting your organization’s journey to being
ready for the quantum future, reach out.
Got questions?
Scott Buchholz
Chief technology officer, Government
& Public Services
Managing Director
Deloitte Consulting LLP
sbuchholz@deloitte.com
+1 571 814 7110

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