Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Thursday released a policy framework outlining how quantum technology will be integrated into the country’s armed forces, as the military looks to prepare for future battlefields shaped by rapid technological change.
The Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework sets out a roadmap for adopting quantum communication, quantum computing, quantum sensing and metrology and quantum materials and devices across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Officials said the framework aims to align military requirements with India’s National Quantum Mission, under which the defence sector is expected to play a significant role alongside civilian research and industry.
According to the policy document, quantum technologies are expected to have applications across secure communications, advanced computing, precision sensing and next-generation defence systems, areas seen as increasingly critical for maintaining operational advantage.
The framework emphasises joint planning and integration among the three services, as well as coordination with other government departments, research institutions and industry through a civil-military fusion approach.
It also outlines milestones and governance mechanisms intended to support development, testing and deployment of quantum technologies within the armed forces, while reducing duplication of effort across services.
Indian defence planners have increasingly highlighted the strategic importance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities and quantum systems, particularly as major powers invest heavily in these areas.
The release of the framework comes as India seeks to strengthen indigenous research and development in advanced technologies, while ensuring interoperability between military and civilian innovation ecosystems.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit were present at the release.
