Munich, 11 Feb 2026 — The Quantum Business Network (QBN) convened the inaugural meeting of its Working Group Quantum Technologies for Defence & Security in run-up to the Munich Security Conference and the German Defence Innovation Day, marking the formal launch of a closed, highlevel forum. Dedicated to one of the most strategically consequential technology domains of the coming decades this forum supports strategic dialogue on quantum technologies in the context of defence, deterrence, and resilience as well as rapid adoption and deployment.
The kickoff brought together a select, invitationonly group of senior representatives from defence ministries, defence primes, security authorities, quantum industry leaders, research organisations and investors. Participation is intentionally limited to ensure strategic depth, confidentiality, and the ability to address sensitive longterm challenges in a confidential and policyrelevant setting.
International Perspectives on Scaling Quantum for Defence
The panel, featuring Alexandre Vulic (Consul General, French Ministry of Europe & Foreign Affairs), Daniel Reiche (Head of Quantum Technologies, Cyberagentur), Hans Dieter Tholl (Senior Advisor for Photonics and Quantum Technologies, Diehl Defence), and Rémi De La Vieuville (Head of Quantum HPC, Alice & Bob), highlighted that successful adoption and deployment of quantum technologies in defence and security requires shared strategic understanding, aligned roadmaps, risk reduction, agility and coordinated policy action across borders.
Responsible development and application
In his keynote, Sameer Chauhan (Managing Director, United Nations International Computing Centre, UNICC) underscore the need for open exchange on how quantum technologies are evolving, what they mean for digital trust and resilience, and how cooperation across institutions can help ensure these technologies are developed and applied responsibly. He emphasized, “The time is now!” “The matter is extremely sensitive, and cooperations need to be as global as possible, like QBN is doing.” “Let´s not be blindsided again like we were with AI”
A big thank you to the Working Group Co-Chairs Marius Schoendorf and Matija Mataković as well as our CEO Johannes Verst and QBN team for the excellent organization, moderation and all the valuable insights.
The strong international presence from MoD’s, defence primes and quantum vendors as well as the military, investors and other public institutions from multiple European and international countries, highlights the growing recognition that quantum developments transcend national boundaries while directly affecting sovereignty, resilience, and collective security.
Purpose and Mandate
The QBN Working Group on Quantum Technologies for Defence & Security has been established to provide a platform for strategic dialogue and opportunity creation at the intersection of emerging quantum capabilities and defence and security needs. Its strategic pillars include:
- Building Quantum Readiness and Strategic Preparedness
- Integrating Innovative SMEs into Defence and Security Capability Development
- Accelerating the Secure Adoption of Quantum Technologies in Defence and Military Domains
- Supporting Policy Alignment and Strategic Advocacy at
The Working Group is not a technical standards body, but a strategic forum designed to complement existing initiatives by focusing on longterm direction, risk awareness, business opportunities and crosssector alignment.
Why Quantum Technologies for Defence & Security Matter
Quantum technologies, including quantum sensing, quantum communication, and quantum computing, are expected to fundamentally alter the defence and security landscape. They carry the potential to redefine secure communications, situational awareness, navigation, intelligence, and resilience against emerging threats.
At the same time, quantum technologies introduce new vulnerabilities, dependencies, and governance challenges. Early strategic engagement is therefore essential to ensure that their development and use-cases align with military and defence requirements, supports interoperability with allies, and ultimately provide strategic superiority.
The establishment of this Working Group reflects a shared understanding that defence and security considerations must be addressed proactively, rather than as an afterthought, as quantum capabilities become commercially available and move intro deployment.
Call to Action
QBN invites interested stakeholders from Allied governments, defence and security institutions, industry, and research organisations to engage with the Working Group’s activities. Organisations with strategic responsibilities, relevant expertise, or a mandate to shape future defence and security capabilities are encouraged to express their interest in contributing to this highlevel dialogue.
Looking Ahead
The kickoff meeting sets the foundation for a sustained programme of work, supporting strategic decision-making and tailored development as well as rapid adoption and deployment. QBN will continue to convene the Working Group as a trusted, highlevel platform, fostering dialogue across borders and sectors while respecting the sensitivity of the domain.
More about QBN Working Group Quantum Technologies for Defence & Security
QBN › WG Quantum Technologies for Defence & Security
Media Contact
QBN – Quantum Business Network
Mila Korunovska
+49 176 8499 6747
m.korunovska@qbn.world
www.qbn.world
