Detecting submarines, tracking stealth aircraft, and identifying concealed missile facilities are among the hardest sensing challenges in defence. Quantum sensors offer potential improvements in each domain: magnetometers sensitive enough to detect submarine magnetic signatures at greater ranges, gravity gradiometers that reveal underground structures, and quantum illumination concepts for low-observable target detection. This workshop provides an honest assessment of each technology's readiness and the substantial engineering gaps that remain.
Quantum sensing for military tracking spans four main modalities. Quantum magnetometers (SQUID, optically pumped, NV-centre diamond) detect magnetic anomalies generated by submarine hulls and equipment. Their sensitivity at the femtotesla level exceeds classical magnetometers, but environmental magnetic noise, platform self-noise, and operational altitude/depth constraints determine actual detection performance. Quantum gravity gradiometers based on cold atom interferometry measure mass distribution variations that can reveal underground facilities, but require vibration isolation incompatible with many airborne platforms.
Quantum radar (quantum illumination) is the most speculative application covered in this workshop. While the theory shows that entangled photon pairs can improve target detection in noisy environments, practical implementations face enormous engineering challenges: entanglement preservation over relevant distances, detector efficiency at microwave frequencies, and integration with existing radar architectures. This session separates the demonstrated physics from the theoretical promise, giving programme leads a realistic basis for investment decisions.
Full day workshop structure with scheduled breaks. Content is configurable to your organisation's technical level and operational environment.
| # | Session | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tracking Challenges and Quantum Sensing Overview Where classical sensors reach their limits |
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| 2 | Quantum Magnetometry for ASW Submarine detection at extended ranges |
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| Break, after 60 min | ||
| 3 | Gravity Gradiometry and Quantum Radar Underground detection and stealth tracking |
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| 4 | Interactive Demonstration Quantum sensor performance modelling for tracking scenarios |
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| Break, after 90 min | ||
| 5 | Integration and Deployment From sensor to operational tracking system |
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| 6 | Case Studies: Defence Quantum Sensing Programmes Published development status and field trials |
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| 7 | Q&A and Investment Planning | |
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.
