Quantum technology will revolutionise anti-submarine and anti-mine warfare, says Thales UK CTO
Quantum magnetometers like this could change what anti-submarine warfare looks like. (Photo: Thales UK)
Quantum technology could radically enhance underwater visibility of hostile vessels and mines – and deliver PNT in GNSS-deprived areas.
Quantum technology is set to revolutionise the capabilities that navies have at their disposal.
Shephard spoke to Paul Gosling, chief technology officer at Thales UK, about the ways in which the new technology, based on the principles of quantum science, could transform the work of naval fleets.
Gosling explained there were four main areas right now where quantum technology could make an enormous difference to naval defence: quantum sensing; quantum position, navigation and timing (PNT); quantum computing; and what he called “quantum insurance”.
Quantum sensing detects micro-variations
AI, and particularly generative AI, is already part and parcel of many modern naval
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Greece’s newly commissioned FDI frigate deployed to Cyprus]()
Greece’s newly commissioned FDI frigate deployed to Cyprus
The recent naval modernisation efforts by the Hellenic Navy have been bolstered by the acquisition of advanced Naval Group frigates, the first of which was delivered in December 2025 and is now playing a crucial role in the latest Middle East conflict.
-
![Ireland releases maritime strategy as it looks to new naval bases and stronger partnerships]()
Ireland releases maritime strategy as it looks to new naval bases and stronger partnerships
Ireland has a maritime area ten times the size of its land mass but has a limited naval capacity and faces an ongoing threat to critical underwater infrastructure. A new strategy is looking to address the challenge.
-
![How the Golden Fleet will change the US Navy acquisition process]()
How the Golden Fleet will change the US Navy acquisition process
The procurement of the future USN Golden Fleet is planned to be less bureaucratic than previous strategies, involving AI-enabled designs and scheduling tools to increase productivity and avoid delays.
-
![What capabilities are being tested under AUKUS Pillar II?]()
What capabilities are being tested under AUKUS Pillar II?
Collaboration on AUKUS Pillar II extends beyond the core trilateral agreement, presenting global opportunities for companies with advanced technologies.
