Why Quantum Technology Matters for Defence
By Pippa Norman, Innovation Reporter
Published September 13, 2025
The Canadian government has placed quantum technology at the forefront of its strategic priorities as it endeavors to enhance defence spending and bolster the nation’s sovereign capabilities. Emerging as a critical enabler of next-generation defence systems, quantum science-based technologies—including quantum computers and sensors—join artificial intelligence and drones as breakthrough innovations that are reshaping modern battlefields.
As digital threats evolve rapidly, traditional military systems risk becoming obsolete. In response, Canada is midway through a seven-year plan to integrate quantum technology into defence applications. Globally, the race for quantum supremacy intensifies: the United States has committed substantial resources toward building a reliable quantum computer by 2033, while China continues to invest billions of dollars publicly in the sector.
Canada, which previously held a competitive edge in artificial intelligence but missed out on capitalizing fully, now faces a pivotal question: can it avoid the same fate in this emerging technological race? Several nations prioritize quantum advances, focusing on computing power as a decisive factor over sheer manpower. The country that succeeds in commercializing quantum technology may fundamentally transform warfare by leveraging these innovations both as powerful defence tools and potential cyber threats.
Lisa Lambert, CEO of Quantum Industry Canada, highlighted the country’s unique position: “It’s a strong opportunity for Canada and for us to be contributing to different defence alliances. There are very few countries in the world that have the quantum capabilities that Canada has.”
The Three Pillars of Quantum Defence Applications
Quantum technology’s significance in defence can be categorized into three main areas: communications, sensors, and computing.
Sensing: Enhanced Detection with Quantum Radar
Radar systems are pivotal for identifying airborne, terrestrial, and maritime objects. Yet conventional military radars suffer from detectability and evasion vulnerabilities, exposing users to potential attacks. Quantum advancements promise to revolutionize these sensors, making detection more precise and stealthy.
At Qubic Inc., operating out of Sherbrooke, Quebec, and Waterloo, Ontario, CEO Jérôme Bourassa leads the development of a quantum-enhanced radar capable of detecting elusive threats such as drones that evade traditional systems. “You see them without them seeing you,” Bourassa explains.
Though the physical design of this radar resembles existing models—a box-mounted antenna alongside a computer—the operational mechanics are fundamentally different. The system aims to extend detection ranges, improve target resolution, and speed up identification processes, offering users superior situational awareness without altering their interaction with the technology.
This innovation aligns with Canada’s Quantum 2030 strategy, published by the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces in 2023. The strategy outlines quantum-enhanced radar as a critical mission, noting its potential to detect “stealth” aircraft and to serve as an undetectable sensing mode that significantly enhances imaging resolution.
Communicating: Securing Data in the Quantum Era
Quantum technology’s impact on communications presents a double-edged sword. On one side, quantum computers promise unprecedented computational power but threaten to decode existing cryptographic protections that safeguard classified and sensitive information.
Public key cryptography, a cornerstone of digital security, is vulnerable to breaking once scalable quantum computing comes online. Companies like Toronto-based Quantum Bridge Technologies Inc. are actively developing quantum-safe communications to preemptively guard against such vulnerabilities.
Quantum Bridge CEO Mattia Montagna warns of the risks: “It’s a bit of a disaster, in the sense that if you have an adversary today that would be able to do that, most of the communication over the internet would become basically plain English, insecure.”
To counter this, the Canadian government has made quantum-secure communications another key mission under its Quantum 2030 strategy. Anticipating the advent of quantum-enabled cyberattacks, Ottawa emphasizes that “It is a question not of if, but when quantum computers will break current cryptographic protocols.”
Computing: Accelerating Defence Capabilities
The computing power offered by quantum systems presents substantial advantages for defence operations, particularly regarding cybersecurity. Christian Weedbrook, founder and CEO of Xanadu Quantum Technologies Inc. based in Toronto, stresses the importance of advanced quantum algorithms for both encryption and decryption.
Without access to quantum-enhanced computing, nations could fall behind in safeguarding critical information or decoding encrypted adversarial communications. Canada’s Quantum 2030 strategy includes a dedicated mission to develop quantum algorithms that will bolster classical computing platforms used in defence.
International competition is fierce, with the U.S. government sponsoring open contests to accelerate the development of commercially viable quantum computers by 2033. Canadian companies are notable participants in this global challenge.
The Road Ahead for Canada’s Quantum Defence Strategy
Despite these promising advances, the practical advantages and risks of quantum technologies in defence remain largely prospective. Dr. Stephanie Simmons, founder and chief quantum officer at Vancouver-based Photonic Inc., urges Canada to maintain momentum by adhering to commitments outlined in its Quantum 2030 strategy.
“The world trusts Canada. And this technology needs trust. So, we have the opportunity to make use of our brand, make use of our talent and we just can’t let our internal processes waste the opportunity,” Simmons remarked.
As Canada navigates this complex technology landscape, its focus on innovating quantum sensing, securing communications, and advancing quantum computing reflects an urgent necessity: to future-proof the nation’s defence systems in an era where the quantum leap in technology will redefine global security.
For further insights and continuous coverage on quantum technology and defence, follow Pippa Norman’s reporting at The Globe and Mail.
