Abstract
The battlefield in the coming years is poised to enter a new phase of the Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA), potentially marking another transformative evolution. This is due to the ‘quantum ecosystems’ or simply quantum technology’s ability to supersede traditional technologies based on classical physics. The paper explores how quantum technology is poised to bring about changes in military affairs. Advancements in weapons, sensors, targeting capabilities, striking precision, and communications will significantly enhance military capabilities. The first half of the paper examines the elements of the RMA to assess whether they hold a comparable impact on warfare. The second section evaluates the potential influence of quantum technologies on future military affairs. The paper concludes that, although quantum technology is often portrayed as revolutionary, its current impact remains largely theoretical, as it has not yet been operationally deployed.
This paper was published in Comparative Strategy, Volume 45, Issue 2, (2026) and can be read here; https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/APFETVWZKRR8UV4CBFES/full
Mr Saad Riaz is Research Fellow at the Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS), Islamabad
Sibra Waseem is a graduate in Strategic Studies from the National Defence University, Islamabad, and is currently affiliated as a Researcher with the Center for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS), Lahore.
