Audio: Quantum Applications for National Defense and Security

Second permanent secretary of the U.K. Ministry of Defense Laurence Lee discusses the importance of, and applications for, quantum technology.
Ben Wodecki

January 25, 2023

Portrait photo of Laurence Lee, second permanent secretary of the U.K. Ministry of Defense
Laurence Lee, second permanent secretary of the U.K. Ministry of DefenseSgt Jimmy Wise, RAF. Copyright: UK MOD Crown Copyright 2022

The U.K. Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced in June 2022 it had

acquired a PT-1 quantum computer

from Orca Computing to enable the MoD’s Defense Science and Technology Laboratory to accelerate its understanding of quantum computing.

In this audio interview, Laurence Lee, second permanent secretary of the U.K. Ministry of Defense talks to AI Business assistant editor Ben Wodecki about the importance of, and applications for, quantum technology and computing in defense and security.

Lee says quantum technology offers significant benefits in computing, cryptography, sensing and time.

The purchase of a quantum computer also supports U.K. industry. It was Orca’s first on-site sale, and the PT-1 will be located at the

National Quantum Computing Center

to ensure the capability can be accessed by the MoD’s industry and academic partners as well as government users.

According to Lee, it is an example of how defense activity and investment

contribute to the wider government agenda to establish the U.K. as a science and technology superpower by 2030.

You can listen to the rest of the conversation on the role AI in modern warfare on

AI Business

.

Read more about:

Enter Quantum Newsletter

To get the latest quantum computing news, advice and insight, sign up to our newsletter

This site uses cookies to provide you with the best user experience possible. By using Quantum Business News, you accept our use of cookies.