Quantum technologies will transform the defence and security landscape. The pillars outlined in this strategy support important defence outcomes, including ensuring Canada is not technologically outpaced and outmatched by potential adversaries. A focus on quantum sensing will support DND’s unique mandate of ensuring Canadian sovereignty over an enormous land mass, including aerospace and maritime approaches. Early Defence engagement with the Canadian quantum S&T ecosystem will ensure Defence-specific priorities, such as resilience, assurance, and countermeasures are understood and addressed as the technologies come to maturity. Strategic partnerships with the NRC and with NORAD, Five Eyes, and NATO allies will leverage existing national and international strengths to deliver on collaborative projects spanning all defence-relevant quantum technologies. Focused, informed, and well-planned investments will more rapidly and efficiently lead to new and enhanced defence capabilities.

DND is in a position to responsibly drive and expedite development of emerging quantum technologies through targeted science, technology, and innovation investments with academic, industrial, and governmental partners. With its own quantum S&T strategy in place, DND is also positioned to play a leading role in a national quantum strategy that will enable both the highly-trained workforce and the investment to ensure Canada builds a thriving domestic quantum sector. The economic security of this sector will be a national priority in which Defence will play a key role.

References

[1] J. P. Dowling, and G. J. Milburn, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences 361, 1655 (2003).

[2] Industry Canada, Seizing Canada's Moment: Moving Forward in Science, Technology and Innovation 2014 (Government of Canada, Canada, 2014).

[3] Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, An Inclusive Innovation Agenda: The State of Play (Government of Canada, 2016), p. 35.

[4] R. Clayton and D. Senik, Quantum Canada: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment (National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 2017), p. 82.

[5] C. Leddy, Q&A: The talent shortage in quantum computing, (MIT News, 2019).

[6] Defence R&D Canada, Science and technology in action: delivering results for Canada's defence and security (Government of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 2013).

[7] National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces, Strong, secure, engaged: Canada's defence policy (Government of Canada, Ottawa, 2017).

Acronyms