Munich, 12 Feb 2026 – The QBN Working Group Quantum Technologies for Defence & Security (WG QDS) took the stage at the NATO DIANA and German Defence Innovation Day – SPARK 2026 on 12 Feb after its high-level meeting behind closed doors on 11 Feb in run-up to the Munich Security Conference.
“Building on yesterday’s alignment, today showed a clear demand for credible, operationally relevant quantum pathways. WG QDS exists to convert that demand into coordinated adoption action. Early engagement is crucial to ensure national security and strategic superiority”, says Johannes Verst, CEO at QBN.
Session: Quantum for Defence Innovation and Strategic Superiority
In a tailored one-hour session at the demo stage, QBN WG QDS informed the military and defence sector about quantum capabilities for the defence and security sector, why the time to become quantum-ready is now and how to engage with the quantum industry and the WG QDS. In his Defence Brief, QBN CEO Johannes Verst also covered the current and future economic and societal impact of quantum technologies, civil and military use-cases and how QBN drives the global quantum economy. The WG QDS Co-Chairs Marius Schoendorf and Matija Mataković presented the state of play and realistic commercial roadmaps as well as quantum technologies in the context of NATO and the European Union.
Panel: European and Transatlantic Perspectives on Scaling Quantum for Defence & Resilience
The high-profile panel discussions highlighted a growing focus on strengthening national defence and critical technology capabilities, combined with closer cooperation among partners. The transatlantic relationship remains central, with shared challenges in areas such as cyber security and quantum technologies.
The discussion emphasised the role of defence primes such as Thales, which contribute across the value chain—from research and postquantum cryptography to deployable, mission relevant solutions. Overall, the panel focused on operational relevance, procurement timelines, and concrete next steps, including pilots and capability demonstrators.
The panel, consisting of
- Jouni Flyktman, VP Defence & Security, IQM Quantum Computers,
- Celia Cattelain, Head of Europe Government & Market Development, PsiQuantum,
- Stefania Fontanella, Senior Manager Technology & Innovation, Thales, and
- Paulo Andrez, President Emeritus of EBAN, author of Zero Risk Startup,
and moderated by QDS WG Co-Chair Matija Matoković underscored a clear message: real-world applications are approaching faster than many expect. As building skills, capabilities, and procurement pathways takes time, defence and security organisations benefit from engaging early.
While IQM Quantum Computers and PsiQuantum are laying the foundations for utility scale quantum computing and already collaborating with the defence sector on real-world use-cases, early involvement by national security end-users is crucial to drive developments and adoption.
From an investment perspective, the discussion emphasised that quantum has moved beyond hype to a phase where credibility, assessment frameworks, and early defence adoption will be decisive in unlocking private capital.
High-Demand Engagement at the Defence Innovation Fair
The QBN booth at the Defence Innovation Fair was in high demand representing the Global Quantum Industry, the WG QDS activities and our valued QBN members. It served as a neutral, trusted interface between military users, NATO innovation stakeholders, defence primes, SMEs, and investors. Discussions centred on operationally relevant quantum use cases across computing, sensing, and communications, realistic maturity timelines and risk managed , venture capital and structured avenues to collaborate with QBN members and participate in WG QDS activities.
This engagement confirmed the need for credible translation between fastmoving quantum advances and defence capability planning.
Thanks to NATO, NATO DIANA and the Palladion Defence Accelerator
QBN’s activities were delivered in partnership with the Palladion Defence Accelerator at the Universität der Bundeswehr München, within the framework of the NATO DIANA Defence & Security Days. This collaboration exemplifies a pragmatic ecosystem model: civil-military bridging, end-user engagement, and a focus on translating early stage technology into operational reality.
About the QBN Working Group Quantum Technologies for Defence & Security (WG QDS)
The QBN WG QDS is a closed, invitation only, high-level forum for senior representatives from defence ministries, armed forces, security authorities, defence primes, quantum technology companies, research organisations, and investors for trusted exchange, strategic depth, and policy relevant dialogue on quantum technologies in the context of national security and resilience.
More about the QBN WG QDS: QBN › WG Quantum Technologies for Defence & Security
More about the QBN WG QDS inaugural meeting in run-up to the Munich Security Conference: QBN News › QBN Inaugurate High-Level Working Group on Quantum Technologies for Defence & Security in run-up to Munich Security Conference and Aligned with Military and Allied Priorities
