A recent report from the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission highlighted a pressing need for the United States to regard quantum technologies as essential national capabilities. This underscores the crucial role quantum networking will play in the evolution of secure communications. However, analysts warn that outdated U.S. defense policies are hindering progress in this area and must be updated swiftly.
The report identifies a key barrier stemming from the National Security Agency’s (NSA) 2020 assessment of quantum key distribution (QKD), an early quantum networking method. While the NSA correctly acknowledged several limitations of QKD—such as challenges in user authentication and limited operational range—the agency’s negative stance discouraged investment and innovation in the sector. This decision ultimately signaled to the industry that the U.S. was unprepared, allowing other nations to surge ahead.
In the interim, countries like China have successfully constructed extensive quantum networks that link universities and defense facilities. Meanwhile, Europe and Japan are advancing their own coordinated quantum communication initiatives. As a result of the U.S.’s reluctance to invest and innovate, a strategic gap has opened up that is now being highlighted by the Senate report.
The urgency of this issue is underscored by recent security breaches, such as the October incident where Chinese hackers allegedly accessed data belonging to every British citizen. This situation is indicative of a more profound risk: sensitive data that is stolen today could potentially be decrypted using future quantum capabilities sooner than anticipated. The rapid advancement and global expansion of quantum technologies exacerbate this concern, emphasizing the need for proactive measures in securing sensitive information.
Importantly, advancements in quantum networking have evolved beyond QKD. A new generation of technology, termed “entanglement-based” networks, is addressing many of QKD’s limitations. These advanced systems can transmit stable quantum states, alongside classical data, over standard commercial fiber optics with improved efficiency. They are already linking research centers in major urban areas and hold the promise of connecting data centers, and eventually, continents.
However, challenges remain. Current entanglement-based systems still face distance limitations, typically operating effectively within a range of about 100 kilometers (62 miles). Yet, significant investments by major businesses are now focused on developing the necessary hardware and repeaters to extend these capabilities beyond metropolitan limits.
Modern quantum networks are vital because they can fundamentally alter the security landscape. Unlike traditional methods, quantum entanglement makes eavesdropping almost undetectable and allows for position-authentication protocols that classical systems cannot replicate. For national security operations that demand absolute confidentiality, this capability could be transformative.
Updating the NSA’s 2020 policy is crucial to align with current advancements in quantum networking. Such an update would enable the funding of quantum-networking testbeds that connect federal research institutions, intelligence agencies, and defense contractors. This coordinated effort would echo the early days of ARPANET, a federal initiative that led to the development and standardization of secure communications across institutions and global networks.
Additionally, the Department of Defense should set clear technical requirements for quantum-network deployments that support national security objectives, guiding industry innovation and ensuring that U.S. systems remain compatible with those of allied nations. Meanwhile, Congress is encouraged to expand its investment in quantum technologies to include the infrastructure required for entanglement-based networks, which could provide enhanced security beyond that achievable with classical systems.
In summary, the Senate report emphasizes the need for the United States to prioritize quantum communications infrastructure. Updating outdated policies is an essential first step in maintaining U.S. leadership in secure quantum networking as the nation prepares for a future where these technologies become increasingly prevalent and critical to national security.
