ISLAMABAD: China’s People’s Liberation Army has disclosed that it isdeveloping more than 10 experimental quantum cyber warfare tools, withseveral already undergoing testing in front-line missions, marking asignificant shift from theoretical research to operational militaryapplication. This revelation, reported by official Chinese media,underscores Beijing’s aggressive push to integrate quantum technology withartificial intelligence and cloud computing for intelligence gathering frompublic cyberspace, battlefield mapping, surveillance, and cyber dominance.As major powers race to harness quantum capabilities, Pakistan faces acritical juncture where embracing such technologies becomes essential formaintaining strategic balance and information superiority in futureconflicts.
The PLA’s efforts, led by a supercomputing laboratory at the NationalUniversity of Defence Technology, focus on quantum-enabled systems thatpromise unparalleled advantages in extracting high-value militaryintelligence from open sources. These tools, when combined with AI, couldenable real-time analysis and decision-making that outpaces conventionalmethods. The disclosure signals China’s intent to operationalize quantumtechnology rapidly, potentially disrupting traditional notions of cyber andelectronic warfare where speed and precision determine outcomes.
Globally, the United States, China, and European Union members areinvesting billions in quantum-secure communications to safeguardcommand-and-control networks against future threats. Quantum keydistribution satellites, already deployed by China, provide unbreakableencryption over vast distances, while the US and allies advance fiber andfree-space QKD links for hardened military communications. Quantum radarpromises detection of stealth aircraft and submarines beyond the reach ofclassical sensors, and quantum computing could revolutionize logisticsoptimization and codebreaking, rendering current encryption vulnerable.
Pakistan, though not yet a leading quantum developer, has recognized thetransformative impact of these technologies on modern warfare. Recentpartnerships with China, including a Memorandum of Understanding signed inOctober 2025 with the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, aimto establish a National Centre for Quantum Computing. This collaborationincludes research exchanges, expert training, and joint initiatives tobuild indigenous capabilities in quantum sensing, secure communications,and related fields.
Domestic initiatives are gaining momentum as well. The government plansCenters of Excellence in quantum computing, nanotechnology, and advancedmanufacturing to drive technological advancement. Academic institutionssuch as NUST host quantum computing labs focused on superconductingprocessors and AI integration, while private entities contribute toresearch pipelines. These steps reflect a strategic priority to reducedependence on vulnerable GPS and classical communication systems, enhancingair defense, maritime command, and battlefield networks.
In military contexts, quantum sensors offer detection of stealth platformsand submarines at unprecedented distances, providing Pakistan withpotential asymmetric advantages despite resource constraints.Quantum-resistant cryptography emerges as a non-negotiable requirement toprotect nuclear command structures and sensitive networks fromexploitation. By prioritizing quantum-secure systems, Pakistan can immunizeits defense infrastructure against adversaries who master codebreakingthrough advanced quantum machines.
The quantum domain transcends mere physics; it centers on achievingdecision superiority through resilient information flows in an era whereconventional encryption faces obsolescence. Early adoption of quantumnavigation and secure links could bolster deterrence, particularly inregional dynamics where information advantage shapes escalation thresholds.Pakistan’s approach emphasizes human capital development,university-military collaborations, and niche applications to offset scaledisadvantages with precision and resilience.
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Experts highlight that future conflicts will hinge on quantum-enabledintelligence and protected networks, where laggards risk strategicvulnerability. Pakistan’s proactive engagement with China and investment indomestic research position it to participate meaningfully in this emerginglandscape, ensuring that national defense evolves alongside globaltechnological shifts.
Source:https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3339907/chinese-military-says-it-developing-over-10-quantum-warfare-weapons
National Centre for Quantum Computing
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