Quantum Science to Deliver Cutting-Edge Technology to Warfighters, Says DOD’s Undersecretary for Research & Engineering

(Defense.gov) Quantum science is important for the Defense Department because of the revolutionary technologies that it will bring to warfighters, the principal director for quantum science in the office of the undersecretary of defense for research and engineering said in an interview recently.
Among the technologies in development are advances in quantum computing and networks that are many times more effective at encrypting or decrypting today’s communications, Paul Lopata said.
DOD scientists and civilian partners are working with the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop new cryptographic standards that ensure information stays private, he added.
Quantum sensors are another exciting future possibility that could be used for such things as missile and aircraft tracking, as well as more advanced gyros and accelerometers, he said.
Lopata likened quantum science to the military’s first use of electricity in the 1800s, which was used to power telegraphs — the first information technology of its kind that greatly improved long distance command, control and communications.