According to the 2025 DIA threat assessment, competing countries are investing in computers, secure communications, and sensing to undermine U.S. strategic advantages as quantum technologies approach actual military applications.

As adversaries make investments in quantum computing, communications, and sensors that might undermine American strategic advantages, the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency has cautioned that quantum technologies are becoming increasingly relevant on the battlefield.

The results are included in the DIA's 2025 Worldwide Threat Assessment, which describes how rapidly advancing fields like artificial intelligence, microelectronics, quantum physics, and cyber capabilities are transforming contemporary combat. Quantum is framed in the study as more than just a potential danger. China and Russia are currently actively preparing their defenses, and real-world implementations are anticipated, especially in the areas of secure communications and sensing.

The DIA contends that sensors are more relevant to practical applications, even if the majority of the public's attention on quantum computing is focused on computers that can crack encryption. These instruments, which identify shifts in gravitational or magnetic fields, are getting sensitive enough to find subsurface buildings or submarines without the aid of satellites. Armed forces may benefit from having these skills in areas where GPS signals are poor or unreliable.

Additionally, the paper highlights advancements in quantum-secure communications. With many city-spanning links that send data using quantum key distribution—a technology said to be impervious to modern eavesdropping techniques—China's national quantum network is still growing. Additionally, Russia is said to be investing in secure quantum links, most likely with assistance from national research and defense companies.