Quantum Computing Must Remain at Forefront of National Security Efforts

Artificial Intelligence, otherwise known as AI, is the technology topic de jour, having overshadowed quantum computing as what to discuss when showing off defense technology chops. All will profoundly change warfare and demand thoughtfulness. But it’s time to return quantum computing to the spotlight.

Quantum computing is the supercharger to AI. It promises to drive speed, optimization, enhance data processing, and improve encryption and security. Applying quantum computing is not just a need; it’s a race. The U.S. government has committed about $950 million for fiscal year 2024. Russia’s ambitious quantum computing expenditure of nearly $800 million announced in 2021 has undoubtedly been reduced by Putin’s Ukraine invasion, but its spend is still massive. China’s $15 billion quantum computing investment is sure to continue Beijing’s ‘civil-military fusion’, as will the opaque but specific commitment of resources.  As much as we protect our technology, playing defense alone is not a winning strategy.  Russia and China will attempt to run faster. We must do the same but run a more intelligent race relying on our strengths.

Superconducting is one of the most understood quantum computing modalities. It utilizes many of the same fabrication processes used in the semiconductor industry. The first instance of quantum supremacy - where a specific complex task was performed in a matter of minutes that would otherwise have taken a state-of-the-art classical supercomputer many human lifetimes - was demonstrated on a superconducting quantum processor. Moreover, the challenges that need to be solved are overwhelmingly engineering related and the paths to tread are understood. As such, a great percentage of the national quantum workforce is being trained on the superconducting modality.

Whether the modality is superconducting, trapped ion, neutral atoms, or other methods, that diversity is to our benefit. What is not to our advantage is early culling of research, intentional or unintentional. Sadly, this has become too easily and quickly done in national security research. 

In recent decades, the center of America’s innovation ecosystem has moved from the public to private sector. However, federal research funding still matters greatly, especially to smaller companies, where breakthroughs continue to emerge.  The good stewards of limited federal research funding are challenged as they seek to apportion it.  For quantum computing, funding can be unwisely biased toward a favored method or a particular conceptualization of quantum computing’s role in the future.  It’s far too early to bet on a winner.  To deny the influence of Congressional interest would be naïve, but sailing only on that tack might miss the mark.  When considering how to stretch limited dollars for a particular methodology, it’s not unreasonable to rationalize having large companies carry the water for a specific method.  It's all understandable but runs counter to the fact that good ideas come from everywhere.

A meaningful way to accelerate quantum computing adoption is to deepen the engagement of national labs with their expertise in utilizing HPC resources towards strategic and scientific goals with committed American quantum computing companies, both large and small. It is also imperative to significantly expand our efforts towards developing a national quantum workforce and allocate federal funding for installing quantum computers of various modalities in public universities. Support for the quantum workforce must include hardware budgets for small qubit count quantum systems for hands-on access to develop critical skills about quantum technology. We must prioritize integrating supercomputers with quantum systems, as a hybrid approach will undoubtedly be the path to success for functional quantum computing. National lab budgets must enable large qubit count quantum systems to make these integrations a reality. These initiatives can secure America’s leadership position in quantum computing for the coming decades.

It is far too soon to tell when, where, and how quantum computing will be fully realized, so it’s wise to place expanded and equitable bets on those engaged in quantum computing R&D.  As the past is prologue in American innovation, don’t discount the small agile mover.  They are the ones who enabled America to shape the world.

Admiral Gary Roughead, U.S. Navy (Retired), was the Chief of Naval Operations and commanded the Pacific and Atlantic fleets.