A new report from New America has sounded the alarm on the transformative impact of quantum technologies on military operations, warning that quantum computing and sensing are poised to redefine both threats and defensive strategies. The Future of Deception in War: Lessons from Ukraine underscores how the convergence of quantum, AI, and cyber capabilities is reshaping modern warfare, urging governments and defence leaders to prioritise cryptographic upgrades and adopt quantum-resilient security measures before adversaries gain the upper hand.
The report highlights a critical vulnerability: legacy encryption systems, which underpin much of today’s secure communications and infrastructure, are increasingly at risk from quantum advancements. As quantum computing power grows, so does the potential for adversaries to decrypt previously secure data, a tactic known as “harvest now, decrypt later” (HNDL). This looming threat demands immediate action, as the window for proactive defence is rapidly closing.
Arqit, a founding member of the Oracle Defense Ecosystem, stands at the forefront of this challenge, collaborating with industry and government partners to deliver quantum-safe security solutions. Paul Feenan, Chief Revenue Officer and Security & Defence expert at Arqit, emphasises the urgency of the situation: “Governments can no longer afford to defend tomorrow’s digital battle space with yesterday’s encryption. Nation-state threats are growing more sophisticated, and the fundamental weakness of legacy public key infrastructure is now a clear and present danger.”
Feenan’s warning underscores a harsh reality: adversaries equipped with quantum capabilities won’t need to breach firewalls or networks directly. Instead, they can exploit weaknesses in encryption keys, which are the backbone of many secure systems. The HNDL strategy allows attackers to collect encrypted data today, storing it for decryption when quantum computing power becomes sufficient—a tactic that renders traditional security measures obsolete over time.
“The immediate action is required,” Feenan stresses. “Securing national infrastructure demands a layered, zero-trust approach that includes symmetric key protections and quantum-safe encryption today, not after an incident occurs. Waiting for regulation or consensus is not a strategy. The technology exists — now leadership and urgency must follow.”
The report’s findings and Arqit’s expertise highlight a critical inflection point in defence strategy. As quantum and AI technologies advance, the need for proactive, forward-looking security measures becomes paramount. Governments and defence agencies must move beyond reactive policies and embrace quantum-resistant encryption to safeguard critical infrastructure and maintain operational superiority.
This shift isn’t just about technological upgrades—it’s about rethinking security paradigms. A zero-trust framework, combined with quantum-safe encryption, offers a robust defence against emerging threats. However, adoption requires not only technological investment but also a cultural shift in how governments and militaries approach cybersecurity.
The lessons from Ukraine serve as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of warfare. As quantum and AI capabilities proliferate, the battlefield extends into the digital realm, where encryption and data security become as critical as traditional military assets. The time to act is now, before adversaries exploit the vulnerabilities of outdated systems.
Arqit’s role in the Oracle Defense Ecosystem positions it as a key player in this transition, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical defence solutions. By collaborating with global partners, Arqit is helping to ensure that quantum-safe security becomes the standard, not the exception.
The report from New America and the insights from Arqit’s Paul Feenan make one thing clear: the future of warfare is being written in quantum code. Governments and defence leaders must act decisively to secure their digital infrastructure, or risk falling behind in an increasingly complex and dangerous geopolitical landscape. The technology is here—now, leadership must follow.
