NATO has published a roadmap for implementing its Quantum Technology Strategy, first adopted in November 2023, which draws a framework for developing, testing and integrating quantum technologies across NATO.
The Quantum Technology Roadmap (QT Roadmap), finalized in July and published yesterday, is intended to translate the strategy’s objectives into practical activities and support NATO’s goal of becoming quantum-ready. It focuses on three areas: quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum sensing, with NATO noting that these technologies have different levels of technological maturity, standards, testing requirements, use cases and resilience considerations.
The roadmap is organised around five Lines of Effort (LoE): identifying quantum technology use cases; testing, developing and adopting quantum-enabled solutions; standardisation and interoperability; safeguarding NATO against quantum risks and threats; and quantum training and education.
Identifying use cases
The first Line of Effort concerns the identification, documentation and evaluation of potential quantum technology applications and operational requirements.
NATO plans to produce annual horizon-scanning reports assessing the maturity and potential impact of quantum technologies on NATO capabilities. It also plans to establish a structured repository of military and relevant industry use cases, including assessments of their strategic relevance, feasibility, timelines and potential pathways to integration.
Allied Command Transformation (ACT), supported by Allied Command Operations (ACO), will work with the Transatlantic Quantum Community (TQC) and NATO’s Science and Technology Organization (STO) to identify additional use cases, including those with dual-use applications.
NATO also plans to develop Quantum Assessment Criteria, with an initial version targeted for the second quarter of 2027.
The initial repository of use cases is scheduled within 12 months and will subsequently be updated periodically.
Testing and developing quantum-enabled capabilities
A second Line of Effort focuses on prototyping, testing and evaluating quantum technologies against NATO’s strategic and operational requirements.
The roadmap identifies NATO initiatives including the NATO Digital Foundry, the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and potentially NATO Innovation Ranges (NIRs) as environments for experimentation and testing.
NATO also plans pilot evaluations of quantum technologies in relevant operational scenarios. The first pilot report is expected in the first quarter of 2027, with initial comparative assessments planned for the fourth quarter of that year.
The roadmap also identifies the QUESTOR Sea Trials, conducted with the STO-Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (STO-CMRE), for 2026 and 2027. These trials are intended to test quantum sensing in realistic maritime environments, including applications for Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) in scenarios where Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are unavailable or degraded.
Another planned activity is an “Allied Quantum Computing Access Network” concept, scheduled for development by the fourth quarter of 2027.
Standardisation and quantum-resilient communications
The roadmap establishes a separate Line of Effort for standards and interoperability. Planned activities include establishing an STO Quantum Standardisation Specialist Team by the third quarter of 2027 and developing NATO-wide quantum standards roadmap by the third quarter of 2029.
The Quantum Zero Beacon Project (QZBP) is intended to demonstrate a practical route towards quantum-resilient communications. The project will establish a pilot deployment between NATO Headquarters in Brussels and Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, with completion targeted for the fourth quarter of 2027.
The roadmap also calls for the ongoing adoption and implementation of post-quantum cryptography standards to protect NATO systems from quantum-enabled threats.
Addressing quantum-related security risks
NATO’s fourth Line of Effort addresses risks posed by quantum technologies, with particular attention to cybersecurity in infrastructure, communications, and operations. As such, NATO plans to update and refine its action plan for responding to the quantum threat to cryptography, with the next update scheduled for the third quarter of 2027.
A NATO Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG) study assessing industry readiness for quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027. The roadmap identifies the development and adoption of post-quantum cryptographic solutions and broader cybersecurity measures as continuing requirements.
Training and workforce development
NATO plans to develop initial quantum education and training modules within 12 months, followed by continuing updates. Training activities will be conducted across the NATO Enterprise, including the STO, while engagement with industry and academia will be conducted primarily through the TQC and its Industry Network.
The roadmap identifies workforce development and broader quantum awareness as necessary components of preparing NATO personnel to evaluate, adopt and manage quantum technologies.
Phased implementation
NATO describes the roadmap as a phased process moving from identification and experimentation towards capability development and, ultimately, operational adoption. However, the document does not establish fixed boundaries between these phases; NATO notes that quantum technologies are progressing at different rates and will reach commercial and military maturity on different timelines. As a result, implementation is expected to remain adaptive and opportunity-driven.
Future versions of the roadmap are expected to place greater emphasis on capability development and operational adoption, depending on technological progress and the results of activities undertaken during the first iteration.
The roadmap also recognises potential interactions between quantum technologies and other emerging and disruptive technologies, including artificial intelligence, space systems, next-generation communications networks and biotechnology. These interactions can be considered across the different Lines of Effort and may receive greater attention in future iterations.
Governance and implementation
The Digital Policy Committee (DPC) is responsible for ensuring coherent implementation of the roadmap, while NATO’s Cyber and Digital Transformation Division (CDT) oversees quantum strategy and policy and the development and implementation of the roadmap.
Several NATO organisations are identified as contributors or implementers. TQC is responsible for strengthening engagement with the quantum innovation ecosystem, while its Industry Network will provide a forum for dialogue and knowledge-sharing between quantum technology companies, defence users, government authorities and funding bodies.
ACT will identify and develop use cases and work with industry on piloting and validation, while ACO will help define operational requirements for quantum technology adoption. Meanwhile, the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA), through the NATO Digital Foundry, will assess options for secure environments for quantum experimentation, development and testing, with the aim of supporting subsequent acquisition and operational deployment.
The STO will contribute research, experimentation, development, testing and education through its Office of the Chief Scientist, Collaborative Programme of Work and other activities, including work conducted by STO-CMRE. The Cryptographic Services Capability Team will implement elements related to quantum-safe cryptography.
NATO’s innovation mechanisms, including NATO Innovation Ranges, DIANA and the NATO Innovation Fund, will support research, development and the scaling of quantum solutions.
Outlook
The roadmap establishes a framework for NATO to assess quantum technologies, test potential applications, develop standards and interoperability mechanisms, address quantum-related cybersecurity risks and build relevant expertise.
Its implementation is intended to build on existing national and NATO activities while providing a common structure for their coordination. NATO states that the roadmap will be reviewed and updated to reflect developments in quantum technology, changes in the threat environment and the broader defence and security landscape.
