Quantum sensing technologies are emerging as powerful tools to detect and track UASs, including small and nano-drones that often evade conventional sensors. These quantum sensors, such as quantum radars, quantum LiDARs, atomic magnetometers, and Rydberg RF detectors, exploit phenomena like entanglement, squeezing, and extreme sensitivity of quantum states to reveal faint drone signatures beyond classical limits. However, raw data from both quantum and classical sensors can be weak, noisy, or ambiguous, especially when dealing with tiny drones with low radar cross-sections (~0.01 m²) and minimal emissions. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) becomes indispensable. Modern AI algorithms (deep neural networks, signal classifiers, data fusion models, etc.) play a critical role ...

In the 21st century, cutting-edge physics has moved from the laboratory into the realm of high geopolitics. Breakthroughs in quantum computing, advanced materials, and energy aren’t just academic - they are strategic assets coveted by nations. The situation echoes the mid-20th century, when projects like the Manhattan Project turned abstract physics into world-altering power. Today, governments are pouring billions into quantum technology and other physics-driven fields, believing that whoever leads in physics may lead the world. From quantum encryption to fusion energy, physics has become core to economic competitiveness, military strength, and diplomatic leverage. This article explores how emerging domains - from room-temperature superconductors to photonics and metamaterials - are ...

A recent bill introduced by United States' Republican lawmakers aims to accelerate the Defense Department's development and integration of quantum technologies, enhancing capabilities in areas like navigation, sensing, and artificial intelligence. The Defense Quantum Acceleration Act, championed by Rep. Elise Stefanik and Sen. Marsha Blackburn, proposes the creation of a quantum advisor role and a center of excellence within the Defense Department as well as increase the funding for quantum information sciences. This move is in response to growing global competition in quantum technologies, particularly from China, which significantly outpaces the U.S. in quantum investments. The bill seeks to foster quicker innovation through increased collaboration with private sectors and academia ...

Quantum radar and quantum LiDAR are no longer science fiction – they are emerging reality, albeit in early stages. They differ in technology and likely timelines: expect to hear more about quantum LiDAR in commercial products soon, while quantum radar will continue to be a strategic project for defense and require further breakthroughs to reach its full promise. Both, however, underscore the transformative power of quantum technology. As these sensors evolve, they could redefine how we perceive the world, achieving what was once thought impossible – like spotting the “invisible” stealth plane, or navigating a pitch-black, foggy road with the same confidence as a clear day ...

Quantum radar is an emerging technology that applies the mind-bending principles of quantum mechanics to the field of radar sensing. In theory, it promises detection capabilities beyond the reach of conventional radar, potentially piercing the invisibility of stealth aircraft and opening new possibilities in sensing. From its conceptual origins in quantum physics labs to recent experimental prototypes, quantum radar has become a hot topic in defense tech circles and beyond. In this article, we explore what quantum radar is, how it works, its development history, key experiments, applications in military and civilian domains, its current status and challenges, comparisons with classical radar, the security implications of its adoption, the role ...

Looking back at our engagement, I'm concerned that the pace of AI adoption in military will overtake our abilities to validate and verify such systems. If AI systems continue proving valuable, there is nothing that will stop their adoption, but the infosec and QA communities simply don't have the tools and skills to ensure these systems behave in an ethical way. I remember our team having late-night chats after testing, grappling with the concept of a non-deterministic machine influencing life-and-death decisions. It felt like we were stepping into uncharted territory. A few of us were old enough to recall the Cold War days of fail-safe mechanisms and the insistence on ...