Multiple qubit modalities are competing to deliver fault-tolerant quantum computing. Superconducting circuits, trapped ions, photonics, and neutral atoms each offer different trade-offs in connectivity, coherence, gate speed, and scalability. This session gives defence technology leads and procurement officers a technically grounded comparison of hardware approaches, honest error correction timelines, and a framework for evaluating vendor claims against actual hardware capabilities.
As of early 2026, the largest quantum processors operate in the 50-1,200 physical qubit range with two-qubit gate error rates between 10^-2 and 10^-3. These are noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices. They cannot run Shor's algorithm or any error-corrected algorithm at useful scale. The path to fault tolerance requires crossing the error correction threshold, implementing surface codes or alternatives at sufficient code distance, and scaling to millions of physical qubits. Different hardware approaches face different bottlenecks on this path.
This session examines each major qubit modality through the lens of what matters for defence: how quickly can this approach reach a cryptographically relevant quantum computer (CRQC), and what are the engineering obstacles remaining? Participants receive a vendor-neutral comparison of IBM, Google, IonQ, Quantinuum, PsiQuantum, Xanadu, QuEra, and Pasqal hardware roadmaps, alongside a framework for distinguishing peer-reviewed quantum advantage demonstrations from marketing claims. The session concludes with practical guidance on investment timing and procurement evaluation for defence organisations.
Deep Dive Session structure with scheduled breaks. Content is configurable to your organisation's technical level and operational environment.
| # | Session | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Qubit Modalities and Hardware Architectures The competing approaches to building a quantum computer |
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| 2 | Error Correction and the Fault-Tolerance Threshold The gap between NISQ devices and cryptographically relevant machines |
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| Break, after 50 min | ||
| 3 | Defence Implications: Timeline Assessment When quantum computing becomes operationally relevant for defence |
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| 4 | Discussion and Next Steps Strategic implications for your organisation |
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Workshops are designed and delivered by QSECDEF in collaboration with sector specialists. All facilitators have direct experience in both quantum technologies and defence systems.
Workshop design and delivery
QSECDEF brings world-leading expertise in post-quantum cryptography, quantum computing strategy, and defence-grade security assessment. Our advisory membership spans 600+ organisations and 1,200+ professionals working at the intersection of quantum technologies and critical infrastructure security.
Domain expertise and operational validation
Defence workshops are co-delivered with sector specialists who bring direct operational experience in defence organisations. This ensures workshop content is grounded in regulatory, operational, and technical realities specific to the sector.
Sessions are configured around your organisation's technical level, operational environment, and regulatory jurisdiction. Get in touch to discuss requirements and schedule a date.
Contact UsQuantum technologies are evolving quickly and new developments emerge regularly. This page was last updated on 15/03/2026. For the most current information about course content and suitability for your organisation, we recommend contacting us directly.
