#ProjectQuest

[govindhtech]

EU Launches Quantum Defence Project Quest Led by Finland

Project Quest

Finland leads an EU battlefield quantum defence initiative.

Finland will spearhead a major EU endeavour on quantum technology's military applications. Quantum Enablers for Strategic Advantage (Quest) was one of 11 new EU projects under Pesco. The European Council launched this next Pesco project round on May 27.

Quest explores quantum technology's defensive applications through quantum computing, sensing, and metrology. Air and missile defence, positioning, and territory monitoring are targeted. The ultimate goal is to boost Europe's defence using cutting-edge technology. A main goal is to develop precise Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems without GNSS.

Finland, which initiated the partnership, will lead Quest alongside the Finnish Defence Administration and VTT Technical Research Centre. Developers Germany, Denmark, Latvia, and Italy and viewers Sweden, Greece, and the Netherlands will join Finland.

Finland's Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen remarked, “Finland has cutting-edge expertise in quantum technology, and it have one of the most advanced quantum technology ecosystems” to highlight its strength. Project Quest will prepare quantum defence. capabilities is taken “extremely seriously.”

The Ministry notes that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has shown how important such capabilities are for defence. Due of the technologies' huge potential, which has led to massive political engagement and rapid field growth, experts say they are already affecting power politics.

Quantum computers could be far faster and more powerful than conventional computers, but the technology is still in its infancy. Quantum computing has “not so far produced any useful solutions that would give an advantage compared to classical computing,” says Finnish Institute of International Affairs specialist Markus Holmgren. Only quantum sensory and metrology sciences have shown advantages, he says.

Although quantum computing for military operations is still in its infancy, quantum metrology sensors and measurement systems have shown potential. These sensors can detect minute magnetic or gravitational field shifts, enabling precise navigation without satellites. Project Quest will first focus on quantum sensing and metrology to provide military with immediate benefits for surveillance and tactical positioning in contested areas.

The U.S. Defence Intelligence Agency feared quantum's warfare use. They warned that rival nations are investing in quantum computers, communications, and sensors. China and Russia have developed high-performance quantum computers that might identify submarines or underground projects in weak or obstructed GPS signals. These computers may crack encryption later.

Finland's participation in NATO's innovation agenda shows its growing importance in Europe's high-stakes technological growth. The VTT Technical Research Centre runs two NATO test centres, and the University of Helsinki is helping small enterprises develop quantum technologies for NATO. U.S. officials indicated last year that Finland could host a NATO  artificial intelligence and quantum technology research facility.

Even if operational timetables and budgetary details are unknown, project Quest reflects a determined drive by the EU and its member states towards next-generation military capabilities. One of 11 new EU-approved projects brings the total to 75 Pesco projects. Pesco intends to increase European defence cooperation by improving interoperability, boosting the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base, and sharing resources.

[dduesterhoeft]

@firstuuchurch and Ingenuit Financil Services table at @projectquest luncheon. #InvestInQuest (at Mays Family Center, Witte Museum) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4fmf_2HD4t/?igshid=fg23ilbpgg44