PESCO PROJECTS

[NEW] Quantum Enablers for Strategic Advantage (QUEST)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project aims to develop Quantum Technologies that enable precision Positioning Navigation Timing (PNT) independent from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) to support secure navigation, cybersecurity, and other defence applications (including air and missile defence).

OBJECTIVES/PRODUCTS

The goal of the project is to leverage Quantum Technologies to enhance defence capabilities, while also promoting European autonomy, resilience, and security in this critical area, by:

• Investigating the potential of Quantum Technologies, including Quantum Information Science (QIS), for enhancing defence capabilities, such as sensing, computation, and communication.
• Creating PNT systems that are independent or less dependent of GNSS and can operate in conflicted or contested environments, with applications in both military and civilian domains.
• Utilising Quantum Technologies to improve early warning systems for threats such as hypersonic weapons, including optimization of search and contributions to solving find & fix problems related to IAMD.
• Exploring the potential benefits and risks of QIS for defence and cyber security, including accelerated machine learning, sensor fusion, and signal analysis, while also addressing new threat vectors.
• Gathering and evaluating use cases and requirements from various stakeholders to inform the development of Quantum Technologies and identify areas for future Research and Innovation (R&I) activities.
• Supporting EDTIB by engaging in Quantum Technology development and integration, and promoting Strategic Autonomy, Resilience, and Security of Supply.
• Providing insights into the current and future landscape of Quantum Technologies and highlight areas for future R&I activities, ensuring that, first, the EU remains competitive in this rapidly evolving field, and second, second, is able to develop new capabilities using Quantum Technologies.