Quantum in Defense & Aerospace: Resilient Sensing and Communication

Quantum technologies are reshaping defense and space segments by enabling novel systems and protocols in applications such as sensing, navigation, timing, and communications that remain robust in contested, GPS-denied, and spectrum-constrained environments. This Research Topic invites rigorous, deployment-aware contributions that translate quantum advances into resilient capabilities for air, space, maritime, and terrestrial domains. We welcome original research, methods, technology reports, standards and policy analyses, field demonstrations, and benchmarking papers that emphasize reproducibility, interoperability, and mission relevance.Core themes and questions include:- Resilient quantum sensing- Quantum-enhanced inertial navigation and timing: atom interferometers, trapped/optically pumped systems, and compact optical clocks for GPS-independent PNT.- Magnetic, gravimetric, and RF sensing: NV-diamond, cold-atom, and photonic sensors for anomaly detection, ASW, and subsurface mapping.- Environmental hardening: vibration isolation, thermal and radiation tolerance, SWaP-C optimization, and calibration/auto-tuning in dynamic platforms.- Metrics and validation: sensitivity, bias stability, drift, recovery time, and long-duration robustness in realistic flight/space/sea scenarios.Secure and robust quantum communications:- Quantum key distribution (QKD), Quantum Secure Direct Communication (QSDC), and post-quantum–integrated architectures for tactical links, satcom, and cross-theater networking.- QSDC concepts, protocols, and implementation pathways for direct confidential message transmission, including in-line eavesdropping detection during the communication stage; implications for resilient command-and-control and contested-spectrum operations.- Space-segment advances: satellite QKD and QSDC constellations, uplink/downlink photonic channels, daylight operation, pointing/acquisition/tracking, and quantum repeaters.- Hybrid security stacks: layering quantum protocols with classical crypto, authentication, and key management for contested-spectrum operations.- Performance benchmarking: key rates and secure message throughput/latency trade-offs under turbulence, mobility, and jamming/spoofing; interoperability across vendors and standards.Systems engineering, integration, and testbeds:- Platform integration: aviation, small sats, HAPS/UAS, ships, and ground vehicles; packaging, control electronics, and thermal/radiation design.- Test ranges and digital twins: hardware-in-the-loop and mission-driven trials; standardized datasets and reference scenarios for fair comparison.- Certification and readiness: adapting TRL/MRL for quantum components and subsystems; qualification pathways for aerospace and defense procurement.Interoperability, standards, and governance:- Interfaces, metrology, and conformance testing for sensors and comms; cross-compatibility with NATO, ISO/IEC, and ETSI frameworks.- Spectrum policy, export controls, and dual-use considerations; resilient supply chains and sovereign manufacturing for critical components.- Cybersecurity and safety: securing control stacks, preventing side channels, and ensuring fail-safe behavior under fault, attack, or degradation.Architectures and mission concepts:- Multi-sensor fusion: combining quantum and classical modalities for navigation, ISR, and anomaly detection; AI for calibration and drift management.- Networked resilience: distributed sensing, entanglement-assisted links, and redundancy at the edge; graceful degradation and recovery strategies.- Operational analytics: cost, SWaP-C, lifecycle support, and maintenance concepts for fielded systems.Priority topics:- Compact quantum IMUs and optical clocks for resilient PNT in GNSS-denied environments.- Quantum magnetometers and gravimeters for maritime and sub-surface detection.- Air- and space-qualified photonic systems for QKD and quantum networking.- Air-, space-, and field-qualified photonic systems enabling QSDC, including tactical link and satcom use cases.- Radiation-hard design, photonic integration, and cryo-lite approaches for deployable payloads.- Open benchmarks, shared datasets, and reference missions enabling cross-platform comparability.- Privacy and security technical advances for QKD network infrastructures, specially focused on tactical applications of multi-domain military networks.- Privacy and security technical advances for QSDC protocols and systems, including performance, robustness, and implementation constraints in operational environments.Article types in scope:- Original Research, Methods, Technology Reports- Systematic Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Perspectives- Standards/Policy Analyses and Case Studies- Field Demonstrations and Benchmark/Data Papers- Registered Reports and Protocols for testing and validationEvaluation criteria emphasize:- Reproducibility, transparent reporting, and open or clearly specified benchmarks- Mission-relevant validation (flight tests, orbit data, sea trials, or credible emulation)- Interoperability with established aerospace/defense standards and secure architectures- Clear pathways to certification, maintainability, and operational resilienceThis Research Topic seeks contributions that turn quantum promise into field-ready capability - advancing sensing and communication systems that remain accurate, secure, and reliable when it matters most. Topic editors: Nuno Silva, Alejandra Ruiz López Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77319/quantum-in-defense-aerospace-resilient-sensing-and-communication