Overview:
Quantum sciences, encompassing computation, sensing, encryption, and communications, promise to reshape intelligence, cyberspace operations, and the electromagnetic battlespace.
Doctrinal Impact:
Impacts Air Force Cyberspace Operations, Information Operations, and targeting doctrine by:
· Creating new resilience challenges for C2 systems
· Enhancing or undermining secure communications
· Introducing quantum-enabled sensing with unprecedented accuracy
Application in Discovery:
Discovery must assess:
· Quantum-resistant cryptography integration into networks
· Quantum sensing use cases for ISR and targeting
· Counter-quantum operations to deny adversary capabilities
Expected Outcomes:
Doctrine recommendations will inform secure C2, cyberspace operations, and multi-domain targeting updates to maintain a competitive advantage in the quantum era.
Current/Future Air Force activities
https://www.afrl.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Fact-Sheet-Display/Article/3017623/afrl-quantum-information-science-technology/
https://afresearchlab.com/technology/afrl-quantum-labs/
References:
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/06/cold-atoms-quantum-lightbulbs-and-new-radars-thales-shows-off-tech-at-paris/Burkey_QS_final.pdf
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/keith-king-03a172128_happy-q-day-the-quantum-countdown-that-could-activity-7340489902674911233-TnPn?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAfsct4BVBNkOVI5cyYn-UOIIe2RSRhT-cI
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/keith-king-03a172128_headline-xanadu-breakthrough-canadas-quantum-activity-7340489582972456961-yoia?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAfsct4BVBNkOVI5cyYn-UOIIe2RSRhT-cI
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/keith-king-03a172128_breakthrough-in-quantum-materials-ute%E2%82%82-confirmed-activity-7344702050905071616-84ii?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAfsct4BVBNkOVI5cyYn-UOIIe2RSRhT-cI