India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, has unveiled a groundbreaking policy framework aimed at integrating quantum technologies into the country’s armed forces. The Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework, released on Wednesday, outlines a strategic roadmap for incorporating four key pillars of quantum technology across the tri-services: quantum communication, quantum computing, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices.
According to the defence ministry, the framework aligns military efforts with India’s National Quantum Mission, positioning the armed forces as central stakeholders in the nation’s broader push to develop advanced quantum capabilities. The document provides an indicative policy and implementation roadmap to enable the adoption of cutting-edge quantum technologies through coordinated efforts across the army, navy, and air force.
“This framework emphasises the importance of jointness and integration in deploying these capabilities to achieve technological supremacy on future battlefields,” said a senior defence official. The policy underscores the role of civil-military fusion, proposing dedicated governing bodies composed of representatives from multiple government sectors to accelerate the adoption of quantum technologies for defence purposes.
The release of the framework was attended by senior military leaders, including the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi; the Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi; the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh; and the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit.
The policy marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to integrate emerging technologies into its military modernisation plans. As global armed forces increasingly explore quantum capabilities for secure communications, advanced sensing, and next-generation computing, India is positioning itself at the forefront of this technological revolution.
The framework is designed to foster collaboration between military and civilian sectors, ensuring that the armed forces can leverage the latest advancements in quantum technology. By doing so, India aims to achieve technological dominance on future battlefields and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
The Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework represents a bold step towards realising India’s vision of a technologically advanced and integrated military force. As the country continues to invest in quantum research and development, the framework will serve as a guiding document for the armed forces, ensuring that they remain at the cutting edge of military innovation.