Credit: H. Mark Helfer/National Institute of Standards and Technology

Quantum technology is poised to redefine the global technology landscape. With applications ranging from military navigation to commercial data security, it has the potential to become a cornerstone of United States strategic superiority.

Over the past few years, China has rapidly expanded its research and development of quantum technology and is now a leader in quantum-related research publications. As China narrows the technological gap separating it from the U.S., advances in quantum technology, particularly in decryption and sensing, may determine whether the U.S. retains its position as the global innovation leader. To protect its technological superiority, the U.S. must accelerate research, development, and adoption of quantum-based applications.

Fundamental to the advances of quantum technology is the development of quantum computers, which use quantum physics to solve problems at speeds not possible with conventional computers. The basis of quantum computing is the “qubit” (short for “quantum bit”). Unlike traditional bits, which represent either a 0 or a 1, they can exist in multiple states simultaneously, allowing quantum computers to explore many possible solutions at once.

Quantum-based decryption takes advantage of quantum computers’ immense processing speed to break classical encryption methods, posing a significant risk to sensitive information. Most public-key cryptographies in use today rely on the assumption that encrypted information takes a long time to be decrypted. Depending on the bit key size, it might take billions of years to crack standard encryption methods through a brute-force attack.

The processing speed of quantum algorithms upends that notion. The Shor algorithm has already been shown to be capable of breaking the RSA and ECC—two of the most widely used public key cryptosystems. This is a much more potent cybersecurity threat compared to previous hacking campaigns targeting U.S. information security systems.

Other countries have already made moves to secure their communication lines against leading quantum algorithms. China has made significant investments into quantum key distribution (QKD)—a physics-based quantum encryption method. In 2016, it launched Micius, the world’s first quantum satellite, enabling free-space QKD over long distances between ground stations. The following year, it established the Beijing-Shanghai Trunk Line, a 2,000-kilometer quantum fiber line that serves as a backbone for connecting major metropolitan areas.

To safeguard against quantum threats, the U.S. should take steps to phase out existing security protocols and adopt new quantum-safe cryptographic techniques (also called post-quantum cryptography). Techniques such as lattice-based and hash-based cryptography have emerged as potential candidates for facilitating this transition.

Beyond cryptography, advances in quantum sensing could counter navigation interference attempts and create new strategic advantages in stealth detection and precision-based operations. The U.S.’s Global Positioning System (GPS) is the backbone of modern navigation, timing, and communication systems, supporting both civilian and military applications worldwide. However, it is highly vulnerable to spoofing and jamming, posing a significant threat to the U.S.’s military operations and critical infrastructure.

Quantum sensors can address this risk by providing unmatched accuracy without relying on frequent GPS synchronization. As the most mature area in quantum research, its future applications can significantly impact healthcare, defense, and material science. Experimental advances like the atomic gyroscope can enhance submarine stealth, enabling them to navigate precisely while mitigating surface exposure. Meanwhile, quantum clocks’ superior accuracy can help the U.S. in timing-critical operations such as cyberwarfare.

China and the U.S. are in close competition in terms of research output in quantum sensing, with Beijing barely edging out Washington as the top producer of highly-cited publications. But while the U.S. is trailing behind in research quantity, it nevertheless retains a lead in quality, with an H-index (a metric that measures the productivity and impact of the publications) of 67 compared to China’s 59. However, with more quantum sensing patents than any other country, China is leading the world in near-market-ready applications of this technology. This April, Chinese scientists tested a drone-mounted quantum sensor system to detect submarines and announced the installation of the world’s first quantum gyroscope in space.

To remain competitive, the U.S. should accelerate its integration of quantum sensors into military applications. More broadly, it should make quantum research a clear priority and build a clear pipeline that connects scientific breakthroughs to military deployment.

Without urgent investment in quantum technology, U.S. national security will face growing vulnerabilities to its digital infrastructure and navigation systems as China advances its capabilities. On the other hand, by moving decisively to lead in this field, the U.S. will have the power not only to safeguard its military edge but to set the terms and standards for innovation in the quantum era.

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