OPINION:
Meeting today’s national security threats requires nimble solutions that rapidly evaluate various scenarios, delivering timely, data-driven decisions to leaders under intense pressure.
Traditional computing and analytical methods alone are struggling to meet the increasing demands of our country’s national security.
Emerging technologies such as quantum computing offer the potential to enable faster, safer, more efficient decision-making in complex, multi-domain environments. Unlike traditional computing solutions, quantum technology can analyze vast numbers of variables simultaneously — for example, to optimize routes and operational plans while accounting for real-time factors such as traffic, weather and changing adversarial actions.
By calling for increased investment in next-generation technologies such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence, the administration’s National Security Strategy recognizes the importance of leadership in driving global standards. The strategy emphasizes that sustained leadership is essential to securing long-term economic success and competitive leadership.
Quantum computing has two primary modalities, each with distinct strengths and development timelines. Annealing quantum computing, available today, is best suited for optimization problems, such as logistics, transportation and fleet maintenance.
Gate-model quantum computing systems are expected to help solve complex problems in quantum chemistry, a field that will be essential to developing anticorrosive materials, new batteries and lighter materials for equipment such as aircraft. These systems are still in the research and development phase.
The National Quantum Initiative reauthorization, introduced by Sens. Todd Young and Maria Cantwell, acknowledges the roles of annealing and gate-model quantum computing. So does other bipartisan legislation, including the quantum sandbox bills and the Defense Quantum Acceleration Act.
Each of these policies includes all modalities and incorporates near-term application development with foundational research.
What’s missing, however, is the implementation of programs that recognize that annealing quantum computing can support near-term applications today, address operational challenges and strengthen ongoing national security efforts.
D-Wave recently announced a collaboration with Davidson Technologies and Anduril Industries to develop quantum-classical hybrid applications to address complex U.S. air and missile defense planning challenges. Davidson now has an operational quantum computer in Huntsville, Alabama, to support real-world mission-critical problems facing national security.
Military leaders are starting to take notice of quantum computing’s potential impact on national security. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll and acting U.S. Navy Chief Technology Officer Justin M. Fanelli have stated their support for quantum-powered applications in logistics and transportation.
Emil Michael, undersecretary of war for research and engineering, identified six critical technology areas as crucial for future military superiority, including contested logistics and quantum technologies. “Our adversaries are moving fast, but we will move faster. … The warfighter is not asking for results tomorrow; they need them today,” he said.
We must move faster. The Defense Department should prioritize implementing a test-and-evaluation program for quantum computing submissions submitted in a previous request for information. It should align with current mission objectives, including enhanced autonomous operations, optimized fleet maintenance and contested logistics.
Integration of quantum-powered solutions for cross-domain integration is needed for our warfighters to maneuver optimally and maintain operational advantage.
Other countries also are moving forward on quantum application development. According to the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission report, quantum technologies are advancing amid unprecedented convergence across scientific disciplines. Although the U.S. is leading in most quantum research, China has deployed industrial-scale funding and centralized coordination to seize dominance in quantum systems and the development of applications.
Many allied countries are also developing quantum-powered applications. North Wales Police developed a hybrid-quantum solution that reduced police vehicle coordination time from four months to four minutes and cut average response times nearly in half.
Other applications include optimized manufacturing, which could be important for the defense industrial base. The U.S. cannot afford to fall behind and should be benefiting from quantum applications.
The government also should be viewing emerging technologies holistically, as they are often complementary. Historically, the government has implemented quantum programs in silos, with quantum-only programs isolated from other emerging technologies.
Although the Genesis Mission, a national initiative aimed at accelerating scientific research through AI and advanced computing, aims to break down those silos, implementation is critical. Take quantum computing and AI: These technologies could come together by using annealing quantum computing to optimize large language models, enabling more energy-efficient operations.
Additionally, the Defense Department has called for expanded AI training through GenAI.mil. These programs also should include workforce training for quantum coding to empower intelligent agentic workflows and help accelerate the adoption of quantum technologies.
National security operations are becoming increasingly complex and cannot be solved with legacy computing approaches alone. Investing in and implementing near-term quantum applications over the next year could strengthen mission-critical operations. The stakes are too high for inaction.
• Allison Schwartz is D-Wave’s global government relations and public affairs leader.
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