Quantum Technologies for Defence and Space
Enhancing mission readiness, operational advantage, and national security through quantum innovation.
➔ Australia’s defence and space sectors face increasing pressure to operate in complex, contested, and data-rich environments.
Traditional technologies are reaching their limits.
Quantum technologies are fast emerging as force multipliers, enabling resilient navigation, secure communications, and powerful new capabilities in sensing, simulation, and cryptography.
If you’re exploring the next wave of technological edge, quantum is no longer a future concept, it’s an unfolding reality with growing relevance to your operations.
Key Operational Challenges Quantum Can Address
What capability gaps are quantum technologies helping to close?
Future-Proof Communications
With quantum-enabled cyber threats on the horizon, militaries are turning to quantum-safe encryption and quantum key distribution (QKD) to secure long-range command-and-control networks.
Situational Awareness
Detecting sub-surface threats or concealed infrastructure is a long-standing challenge. Quantum gravimetry and magnetometry offer step-change improvements in detection and imaging across land and maritime domains.
GPS-Denied Navigation
Land forces and autonomous systems are vulnerable when GNSS signals are degraded or denied. Quantum-enabled Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems offer sovereign, signal-independent alternatives.
Decision Superiority in Complex Environments
From logistics optimisation to real-time autonomous decision-making, quantum computing and hybrid algorithms are unlocking new ways to model, simulate, and plan under uncertainty.
Technologies with Mission-Critical Impact
Which quantum technologies are most relevant to Defence and Space, and why?
Quantum Sensing & Imaging
Gravimeters, magnetometers, and gyroscopes for precision navigation and anomaly detection
Quantum imaging and entangled photon radar to enhance ISR and counter-stealth capabilities
Strong near-term potential with high TRL and low deployment risk for land-based applications
Quantum Communications & Cryptography
Short-range QKD and secure timing for resilient tactical comms
Space-based quantum links for future-proof synchronisation and hardened global connectivity
Enables coordination of distributed assets in denied environments
Quantum Computing & Simulation
NISQ devices supporting mission optimisation, threat modelling, and autonomous system design
Future large-scale systems enabling breakthroughs in encryption, SIGINT, and cyber operations
Active Projects and Pilots Across the Defence Ecosystem
Australia is already making strides in quantum defence capabilities:
DeteQt
University of Sydney spin-out delivering diamond-based magnetometers for GPS-denied navigation under a $3M ASCA contract with the ADF
QuantX Labs
Advancing precision timing sensors for PNT integrity across Defence applications
Quantum-Secured Time Transfer (QSTT)
A DSTG-led space-enabled QKD project with CSIRO, ANU, and UWA launched in April 2025
DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative
Australian companies Diraq and SQC selected to help develop utility-scale fault-tolerant quantum computing for defence missions by 2033
Barriers to Adoption, and How Quantum Australia Can Support
We understand the adoption curve for dual-use technologies. Here’s how we help:
Coordinating Pilots and Prototyping
Supporting Defence Quantum Challenges and demonstration activities to de-risk adoption pathways.
Skills and Workforce Development
Helping defence and industry upskill with targeted training and awareness programs in quantum literacy and application.
Bridging Research and Defence
Facilitating partnerships between researchers, SMEs, Defence, and Primes to accelerate capability development and integration.
Global Alignment
Leveraging our national and international networks to connect Australian capabilities with allied quantum programs.
Use Cases
Start the Conversation
Whether you're leading a program, developing sovereign capability, or assessing next-gen technologies, our partnerships team can help you assess quantum readiness, connect with relevant players, and identify mission-driven opportunities.
Let’s explore how quantum can work for your mission.