Quantum Technology to impact future wars and outcomes with far reaching outcomes for the Armed Forces: CDS

New Delhi: Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff in conjunction with Centre for Joint Warfare Studies conducted the first Annual Niche Technology Nexus (NTN-2024) Seminar at New Delhi on 08 Nov 24, aimed towards advancing capabilities in Electronic Warfare (EW) and Quantum Techonology for the tri-services. Focused on ‘Innovating Tommorrow’s Battlefront with Quantum and Electronic Mastery’, this Seminar has provided insights and technical perspectives to transform the future of defence operations and strengthen Atmanirbharta, thus synergising the whole of nation effort.

General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, in his special address to senior officers, distinguished scientists and representatives of think tanks, complimented HQ IDS in conceptualising and conducting the Seminar and appreciated the efforts being undertaken under National Quantum Mission, which celebrates Dr SC Bose’s centenary in 2024. Stating, “Quantum Technology will impact future wars and outcomes with far reaching outcomes for the Armed Forces”, the CDS underscored the interests of Indian Armed Forces, particularly in Quantum key distribution, navigation and sensing systems. General Chuahan emphasised, “the integration of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Quantum Technologies into Electronic Warfare Systems is expected to transform the way military operations are conducted”. CDS reached out to the focused group of professional experts in the field of niche technology stating, “India has a potential to play a leading role in convergence of QT and EW and usher in a new technological revolution.

By investing in Research and Development, fostering collaboration and developing a skilled workforce, the Indian Defence Forces in collaboration with Defence Technology & Production Eco-systems can secure their place as a major player in the fields of Quantum Technology and Electronic Warfare at the Global level”.

The one-day seminar served as a platform for the academia, subject experts, research organisations and defence industry, to explore advancements in these niche domains and discuss their potential implications for defence. The seminar focused on key areas related to Quantum Security, Quantum Sensing, Quantum Communication, Photonics, Modern Electronic Warfare Trends and Global Standards.

Key outcomes included the need for adoption of Quantum Safe Algorithms and key management for securing future Defence Networks, Quantum RF Sensors and radar, Quantum ISR products, Quantum atomic and Optical clock, Quantum Inertial Navigation Systems, Integrated Advanced Electronic Warfare Systems and Cognitive systems for future Theaterised Armed Forces.

Through this initiative, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff aims to keep the Indian Armed Forces at the forefront of technological transformation in partnership with the nation’s leading scientific and industrial Innovators, and refine the roadmap for capability development under Atmanirbhar Bharat abhiyan.

The NTN-2024 Seminar underscored the importance of civil-military collaboration in harnessing emerging technologies, fostering a synergy that can strengthen India’s defence capabilities. By promoting an in-depth understanding and strategic application of Electronic Warfare and Quantum Technologies, the event set the foundation for future innovation, cooperation, and capacity building across the QT eco-system including the Armed Forces.

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