NATO’s strategy aims to make NATO “quantum-ready” and capable of harnessing suitable technologies to protect its member nations

NATO approved its first-ever Quantum Strategy to keep pace with advancements in disruptive technologies, the Alliance’s Secretary General said on 28 November, speaking during the first day of the Brussels’ ministerial.

Technological innovation has been a crucial topic for NATO for a while. This is particularly true for quantum technologies, which are being developed very quickly. NATO’s strategy aims to make the Alliance “quantum-ready” and capable of harnessing suitable technologies to protect its member nations.

During the press conference, Stoltenberg highlighted the need to ensure that these technologies work in favour of NATO’s objectives and are not exploited by adversaries.

“Quantum technologies can strengthen our cyber security and capabilities. But they can also be used to crack it. […] Our new strategy will help us to seize the opportunities presented by quantum technologies, while preventing competitors from using these technologies against us,” he said.

NATO’s Secretary General confirmed the strategy launch at the Copenhagen Quantum Conference 2023 in September while underscoring the importance of close cooperation among public, private and academic sectors for innovation.

During the meeting, he also launched the new NATO accelerator site “Deep Tech Lab – Quantum” with Danish politicians. The Lab’s goal is to help start-ups from across the Alliance commercialise quantum-enabled solutions as part of NATO’s new Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).