The Impact of Quantum Sensing on Nuclear Deterrence via the Detection of Low Observable Aerial and Undersea Objects and Underground Structures

Quantum Sensing (QS) is a sub-category of Quantum Technologies (QT). Within defence and military domains, QT is considered an Emerging Disrupting Technology (EDT). QS leverages the properties of Quantum mechanics (QM) to develop and introduce a new family of sensors that are unmatched in performance compared with classical sensors. As such, QS might have the ability to break current stealth technologies and detect avionics, underground facilities, or undersea objects such as submarines and man-made structures, which are key capabilities of a Nuclear Deterrence (NT) strategy. This paper examines the current development in QS and the potential impact of this EDT on military operations with a focus on nuclear deterrence.