Workshops Defence Optimising Resource Allocation

Defence Full Day Workshop

Quantum Optimisation for Defence Resource Allocation

Defence resource allocation involves combinatorial optimisation problems that scale exponentially with the number of assets, constraints, and objectives. Quantum optimisation algorithms (QAOA, VQE, quantum annealing) claim to address these problems, but the reality is nuanced. This full-day workshop provides an honest assessment of where quantum optimisation stands today, what specific defence problems map well to quantum hardware, and when quantum solvers might outperform the best classical alternatives.

Full day (6 hours)

In person or online

Max 30 delegates

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Workshop Description

Many defence optimisation problems (fleet routing, sensor placement, logistics scheduling, spectrum allocation) can be formulated as QUBO (Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimisation) or Ising model problems suitable for quantum hardware. The Quantum Approximate Optimisation Algorithm (QAOA) and variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) are the leading gate-based approaches, while quantum annealing (D-Wave) offers an alternative for specific problem structures. However, current NISQ devices face significant limitations: noise restricts circuit depth, qubit counts limit problem size, and classical solvers (Gurobi, CPLEX, simulated annealing) remain highly competitive.

This workshop provides defence operations researchers with a technically rigorous comparison of quantum and classical optimisation approaches. Participants learn to formulate defence resource allocation problems as QUBO instances, understand the mapping from problem to quantum hardware, and critically evaluate published benchmark results. The interactive demonstration compares QAOA and classical solver performance on a defence logistics problem, illustrating where quantum approaches show promise and where classical methods still dominate.

What participants cover

QAOA and VQE for combinatorial optimisation: algorithm mechanics, circuit depth, and convergence
QUBO formulation: mapping defence resource allocation, routing, and scheduling to quantum hardware
Quantum annealing (D-Wave): capabilities, limitations, and comparison with gate-based approaches
Classical solver benchmarking: Gurobi, CPLEX, and simulated annealing performance baselines
Benchmark-specific performance comparisons: where quantum shows promise versus where classical dominates
Investment timing: when quantum optimisation may become operationally relevant for defence

Preliminary Agenda

Full day workshop structure with scheduled breaks. Content is configurable to your organisation's technical level and operational environment.

#	Session	Topics
1	Quantum Optimisation Fundamentals Algorithms, hardware, and the optimisation landscape	QAOA: parameterised quantum circuits for approximate combinatorial optimisation VQE for optimisation: variational approaches and the barren plateau challenge Quantum annealing: D-Wave hardware, minor embedding, and problem size constraints
2	Defence Optimisation Problem Formulation Mapping real problems to quantum hardware	QUBO and Ising model formulations for fleet routing, sensor placement, and spectrum allocation Constraint encoding: penalty terms, slack variables, and the overhead of real-world constraints Problem decomposition: hybrid quantum-classical approaches for problems exceeding qubit capacity
Break, after 60 min
3	Performance Analysis: Quantum Versus Classical Benchmark-specific comparisons on defence-relevant problems	Published benchmark results: quantum annealing and QAOA versus classical solvers on vehicle routing The classical heuristic challenge: why simulated annealing and genetic algorithms keep improving Quantum-inspired classical algorithms: tensor networks and dequantisation results
4	Interactive Demonstration Quantum optimisation for a defence logistics problem	Facilitator-led demonstration: formulating a defence asset allocation problem as QUBO Running QAOA on a cloud quantum processor and comparing with Gurobi classical solution Interpreting results: solution quality, runtime, and the scaling question
Break, after 90 min
5	Implementation Roadmap When and how to engage with quantum optimisation	Near-term strategy: quantum-inspired classical methods for immediate deployment Medium-term pilots: identifying defence problems suitable for hybrid quantum-classical approaches Long-term planning: fault-tolerant quantum optimisation and its projected capabilities
6	Case Studies: Defence Optimisation Pilots Early results from defence and aerospace organisations	Published results from AFRL, DSTL, and defence contractor quantum optimisation trials
7	Q&A and Programme Planning

Designed and Delivered By

Workshops are designed and delivered by QSECDEF in collaboration with sector specialists. All facilitators have direct experience in both quantum technologies and defence systems.

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.

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.

Commission This Workshop

Sessions are configured around your organisation's technical level, operational environment, and regulatory jurisdiction. Get in touch to discuss requirements and schedule a date.

Quantum 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.

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