The UK’s emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities
could achieve a decisive step-change by adopting current
and near-term quantum technologies.
According to a research paper published by the Defence
Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), on behalf of the
Ministry of Defence (MOD) and in collaboration with UK
Strategic Command “Quantum Information
Processing Landscape 2020: Prospects for UK Defence and
Security”, DSTL/TR121783 (PDF, 3.02MB, 144
pages), embracing quantum technology now
could lead to the enhanced pace, precision and pre-emption
of decision making by military commanders.
Dstl’s report identified commercially available quantum
computers – ‘annealers’ – as having the potential to run an
important and versatile class of AI software at speeds
vastly in excess of normal digital computers. This software
is based on an algorithm called a ‘neural net’; a mature
and proven method of pattern-matching, which imposes
extremely high loads on a classical digital computer
architecture. However, the unique properties of a quantum
annealer means that it can execute a neural net in one
machine cycle instead of thousands or millions.
The report describes how, in the short-term, quantum neural
nets could be used to perform Quantum Information
Processing (QIP) to search archive, near real and real-time
data feeds, automatically looking for features of interest,
detecting anomalies and instances of change. This would
significantly improve the time, cost and quantity of
military data processing, while simultaneously releasing
intellectual capacity among operators.
Over the subsequent 5 to 10 years, within MOD and more
widely, QIP technologies could also be applied to:
Financial trading; Control systems in aircraft, missiles,
fire control and defensive systems; Sensor data processing
such as data fusion, navigation, resolving signals in
noise, interference and jamming; Machine Learning;
Artificial Intelligence situational understanding; Warning
marker identification; Pattern analysis undiscernible to
the human eye.
Dstl’s report is being released for input and comment from
the defence community including industry and academia.
After review, key findings and recommendations will be
added and the document will be finalised to create an
authoritative evidence base to support future investment
decisions. Subject to funding, a benchmark exercise could
commence during 2020. If benchmarking confirms the review’s
findings, an in service initial operating capability could
be realised as soon as 2025. This would help build quantum
expertise in MOD and ensure an organisation ‘quantum-ready’
for the future.
Although currently maintaining a watching brief on quantum
computing, Dstl, supported by funding from MOD, also has a
keen interest in quantum sensing technologies. This is
realised through a close collaboration with the National
Quantum Technologies Programme, a partnership supporting
national expertise in this cutting edge technology.
Gary Aitkenhead, Dstl Chief Executive, commented: “Quantum
technology is a game-changer for defence and society, and
one that both maintains the security of the UK as well as
offering clear economic benefits. The UK is a world leader
in many aspects of QIP and this report outlines a clear
path for future development.”
For further information on the report contact:
quantum@dstl.gov.uk
