Beyond AUKUS: Forging a quantum-secure future for Australia's defence

Quantum computing is rapidly transforming the landscape of defence and national security.

Australia has a unique opportunity to leverage this technology for groundbreaking advancements in cryptography, intelligence and secure communications. However, it also poses significant challenges that demand coordinated action across government, industry, and academia.

Bolstering Australia’s leadership in quantum technology

Australia is a global leader in quantum research. But maintaining this edge demands ongoing investment in infrastructure, talent, and research. The stakes are high: quantum technologies promise profound benefits, and the risks of falling behind are equally substantial. To harness quantum’s potential while mitigating its threats, Australia must deepen collaboration across government agencies, private sector leaders, and academic institutions.

Addressing cyber security threats with quantum-powered solutions

Quantum computing threatens to upend current approaches to cyber security. Widely used encryption methods such as RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) and Elliptic Curve are vulnerable to obsolescence, potentially exposing critical military communications and infrastructure to adversaries with quantum capabilities.

The urgency is clear: Australia and its allies must adopt ‘quantum-resistant’ cryptographic solutions before adversaries gain an advantage. This will require sustained investment in quantum research and a focus on rapid integration into defence systems. Quantum’s practical applications, such as optimising logistics and transforming intelligence analysis, offer immense potential but come with challenges that demand immediate attention.

Quantum technology's strategic importance in national defence is underscored by its inclusion as one of the six AUKUS Pillar II ‘Advanced Capabilities’. The recent approval of Japan as a potential Pillar II participant on a project-by-project basis, endorsed by Prime Minister Kishida himself, marks a significant step forward. This development, welcomed by Fujitsu, opens exciting new avenues for collaboration and innovation in this critical field, and reinforces the global commitment to advancing quantum technologies for defence applications.

Australia’s growing quantum investment

Australia’s commitment to quantum technology is evident, yet there are opportunities for growth on the global stage. Ranking 12th globally in public quantum investment, the country has pledged AU$472 million in the 2024-25 Federal Budget for quantum initiatives. Additionally, the AU$940 million joint investment in PsiQuantum by the Federal Government and the Queensland Government underscores the strategic importance of this field.

The Australian Signals Directorate has recognised quantum computing as a cornerstone of future security, with the potential to revolutionise secure communications, intelligence operations, and military strategies. To stay ahead, Australia must continue to prioritise collaboration and innovation.

The AUKUS Quantum Arrangement (AQuA), established under the AUKUS Quantum Technologies working group is a strategic commitment by the US, the UK, and Australia to collaborate on the research, development, testing and evaluation efforts for quantum technologies. Engaging with Japanese technology leaders like Fujitsu will help foster research opportunities to drive innovation forward.

Fujitsu’s contributions to strengthening Australia’s defence capabilities

Fujitsu is at the forefront of advancing Australia’s quantum defence capabilities through partnerships, cutting-edge infrastructure, and talent development. Its contributions span research, practical applications, and development of the next generation of quantum experts. Fujitsu also welcomes joint secondment opportunities between the Department of Defence and academia, to foster mutually beneficial knowledge exchange and accelerate innovation.

1. Driving innovation through strategic partnerships

Fujitsu’s memorandum of understanding with the Australian National University (ANU) aims to establish a dedicated quantum research facility in Australia. This partnership focuses on critical areas such as quantum cryptography, secure communications, and national defence-related quantum simulations. By leveraging ANU’s expertise in quantum optical physics and quantum algorithms, Fujitsu is accelerating the development of technologies vital to national security.

2. Providing researchers access to advanced quantum systems

From 2025, Fujitsu will grant Australian researchers access to its advanced quantum systems housed in Japan. This access enables rapid progress in applications such as encrypted communication protocols and large-scale military logistics simulations. These advancements directly address some of the most pressing defence challenges. Building on existing relationships with numerous academic institutions in both Australia and Japan, Fujitsu remains committed to nurturing collaborations, including with the Defence Science and Technology Group, to advance innovation in this field.

3. Building robust quantum infrastructure

Fujitsu is setting ambitious goals for quantum infrastructure in Australia. By 2025, it aims to deploy an on-site quantum computer in Canberra with 256 qubits, scaling to 1,000 qubits by 2026. This infrastructure will be a game-changer for government defence agencies, providing advanced capabilities in cryptographic analysis, intelligence simulations, and secure communication.

4. Cultivating Australia’s quantum talent

Beyond technology, Fujitsu is deeply committed to fostering Australia’s quantum talent. Through scholarships, internships, and research partnerships, Fujitsu is helping to develop the next generation of quantum scientists, engineers, and cybersecurity experts. This investment ensures Australia remains competitive in the global quantum race and builds a pipeline of skilled professionals to lead in the quantum age.

Transforming the future of defence with quantum technology

Quantum technology has the potential to revolutionise defence in several key areas:

1. Quantum cryptography and secure communications: Quantum cryptography offers unparalleled security for sensitive military communications and classified information, making it a cornerstone of future defence strategies.
2. Quantum intelligence analysis: Quantum algorithms can process data at unprecedented speeds, enabling defence agencies to identify patterns, predict threats, and gain strategic advantages.
3. Quantum-assisted simulations for defence operations: Quantum simulations can revolutionise military planning, from battlefield scenarios to logistics, by providing real-time insights that enhance decision-making.

Securing the future of defence with quantum collaboration

The future of our nation’s defence is powered by quantum technology, and Australia must not only prepare for it but actively shape it. Fujitsu, alongside its partners, is dedicated to ensuring Australia remains a leader in quantum innovation. By addressing today’s challenges and seizing tomorrow’s opportunities, Australia can secure its place in a quantum-powered world.

While Australia’s efforts in quantum technology are commendable, there’s room for growth. Strengthening global collaborations, accelerating talent development, and prioritising the rapid deployment of quantum solutions will be critical. With coordinated efforts from government, industry, and academia, Australia can navigate the challenges of the quantum era and position itself as a global leader in quantum defence.

Find out more about Fujitsu's work in quantum computing:
https://www.fujitsu.com/global/about/research/technology/quantum