The Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) and Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) – which are both part of Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) – have partnered with IBM to explore the use of quantum computing for complex mission planning, such as logistics optimisation use cases.
In its press release, MINDEF explained that mission planning often requires balancing numerous operational constraints, resources and timelines, and quantum optimisation could eventually help solve such complex planning problems more efficiently than conventional approaches.
The collaboration with IBM is meant to assist DIS and DSTA in taking early steps to build indigenous expertise, evaluate its mission planning applications, and prepare the SAF to harness future breakthroughs. IBM will help build quantum computing expertise within DIS and DSTA through hands-on development, and to evaluate whether quantum approaches could improve selected mission planning processes.
Under this collaboration, DIS and DSTA engineers will work alongside IBM specialists to develop and evaluate quantum optimisation approaches for a representative mission planning problem, and to build practical expertise that can support future innovation. The collaboration forms part of the DIS’ and DSTA’s broader efforts to strengthen future digital capabilities and ensure that MINDEF/SAF remains prepared to harness emerging technologies.
“Quantum computing has the potential to transform how complex mission planning problems are solved, and we believe it is important to engage early to understand both its opportunities and limitations. Through this collaboration with IBM, the DIS and DSTA are building quantum expertise, strengthening partnerships with industry and exploring how emerging technologies can be applied to future operational challenges. By investing in our people and capabilities today, we will be better prepared to harness quantum technologies as they mature,” said Military Expert 7 Guo Jinghua, Commander SAF C4 and Digitalisation Command.
“Realising the value of quantum computing requires more than advancements in technology — it requires a deep understanding of operational problems and how new technologies can be integrated into real-world systems. Through this collaboration, DSTA is applying its systems engineering expertise to evaluate where quantum technologies can deliver meaningful impact for future mission planning,” said DSTA’s Deputy Chief Executive (Information), Ms Gayle Chan.
“We look forward to the DIS and DSTA receiving cloud access to IBM’s quantum compute resources, and we look forward to providing enablement resources to the DIS and DSTA to help their organisation build skills with quantum computing and to explore the applicability of quantum computing to planning and resource allocation, including logistics optimisation,” said Scott Crowder, Vice President, IBM Quantum Adoption and Business Development.
