Quantum Computing and National Security: The Pentagon's Race Against Time
Quantum Computing and National Security: The Pentagon's Race Against Time
By Althea A. Marrow, DSc, PhD
The Department of Defense is faced with a paradigm shift as quantum computing is transforming from a scientific novelty to an operational threat. With adversaries accelerating quantum research, the U.S. military must overhaul its cybersecurity infrastructure, intelligence architectures, and strategic
planning—or risk catastrophic vulnerabilities by 2030.
The Quantum Countdown: A Five-Year Roadmap
The DOD quantum resilience timeline shows significant milestones:
| 2025–2026 | Incorporation of post-quantum risk modeling into cyber planning; NIST will complete quantum-safe encryption standards
| 2027–2028 | PQC compliance required for new systems; NSA deprecates vulnerable algorithms
| 2030+ | Real-world quantum computers probably break RSA-2048 encryption; quantum AI used in threat prediction
This is a faster-than-usual timeline that reflects what ODNI calls "the most pressing technological challenge since the Manhattan Project."
Triple Threat Matrix
Quantum computing enlarges current national security threats:
1. Cryptographic Collapse
Shor's algorithm would break RSA/ECC encryption, revealing confidential communications and satellite networks.
2. AI-Quantum Fusion
Opponents coupling quantum processing and machine learning would be able to conduct real-time decision warfare, saturating conventional command structures and critical infrastructure.
3. Supply Chain Sabotage
Quantum sensors can allow adversaries to monitor military shipments or control IoT devices in essential infrastructure.
Defense Case Studies have determined that there is need for PQShield's Encryption Revamp
With NATO allies, this cybersecurity company is implementing lattice-based cryptography in military systems—a leading NIST post-quantum candidate. In addition to Mitigating Bias in Intelligence
- DTIC says quantum-enabled AI tools cut cognitive bias in strategic analysis by 37% in 2024 wargames.
Survival Strategies of the Quantum Age
To maintain dominance, the DOD must:
- Accelerate Crypto-Agility: Complete transition to NIST-accepted algorithms by 2028
- Create Quantum Red Teams: Conduct simulated attacks on GPS networks and nuclear command systems.
- Triple STEM Investment: Increase collaborations with MIT Lincoln Lab and Sandia National Labs
- Update Procurement Regulations: Require quantum-resistant components in all new contracts
The Bottom Line: Quantum computing is more than a new technology—it's a war zone. "Whoever possesses quantum supremacy will write the rules of 2st-century warfare," says Pentagon spokesperson Dr. Lisa Hernandez. As China invests $5B in quantum research and the EU unveils its Quantum Flagship
2.0, the clock is ticking for US defense officials.
This analysis is based on Dr. Marrow's Published Manuscript, "Quantum Computing: Evaluating the DOD Threat Landscape and Risk Management Strategies" (Release Date: May, 2025).
