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