Quantum Technologies – A New Field That Needs Assessment

Quantum technology (QT) is an emergent area with the potential to be disruptive and affect many human activities. QT also is a typical technology with significant dual-use applications. Specifically, the potential QT military applications were recently mapped. Although QTs do not introduce any new standalone weapon systems, they can significantly sharpen present weapon systems as well as command and control systems, including in the cyber domain. On the other hand, they also can provide non-eavesdropping secure communication or enhanced medical imaging. This contribution aims to introduce QTs and their possible applications, current status and activities related to the defence sector. Then, the military-related applications will be discussed more in detail, and potential problems for international security will be mentioned. In the end, we provide arguments why QTs should be assessed, and we ask selected questions that should be answered.