Quantum technologies

Quantum technologies use the properties of quantum physics to sense, communicate and compute in ways that were previously impossible. They promise major benefits—from new forms of secure communications, compute beyond the limits of classical computation, to far more precise navigation and detection—but they could also reshape military power and undermine the security of encrypted information on which governments, armed forces and societies rely.

SIPRI’s work on quantum technologies examines what these advances mean for peace and international security. It looks at how quantum tools might be used by militaries and what risks and opportunities they create for arms control and verification. SIPRI’s research explores governance measures and safeguards, including export control, research and innovation security and responsible innovation approaches, that international organizations, governments, industry and the research community can adopt to keep pace with a fast-moving field.