Analysis of the Necessity of Quantum Computing Capacity Development for National Defense and Homeland Security

Prior work has discussed the significant benefits of the use of quantum computing systems in an array of different fields. These systems have already demonstrated the potential to expedite processing in key areas, such as factoring large integers, as compared to their classical counterparts. The specific value of quantum factoring has been demonstrated for cryptography. It will render one of the most prevalent encryption techniques, RSA encryption – which is dependent on computational systems being incapable of determining the prime factors of large integers, effectively obsolete. However, defeating encryption is not the only prospective use or value of quantum computing for national defense and homeland security purposes. This paper analyzes the need to invest resources in quantum systems and quantum computing technology development due to the potential threats they pose and the benefits that technological innovation in this area is poised to provide. The benefits of quantum computing in a variety of national defense and homeland security application areas are discussed and the implications of investment – as well as failure to invest – in this technology are considered.