China’s military has disclosed that it is developing more than ten experimental quantum-enabled cyberwarfare systems and has already begun testing some of them in frontline environments, according to an official report carried by the South China Morning Post.
The details emerged via Science and Technology Daily, a state-run newspaper that frequently publishes research tied to the People’s Liberation Army. The paper said the work is being led by a supercomputing lab at the National University of Defense Technology and integrates quantum computing with artificial intelligence and cloud-based military data systems.
PLA researchers claim quantum systems could process massive volumes of battlefield information in seconds, dramatically shortening decision cycles for commanders. An unnamed officer cited “speed and change” as the driving factors, arguing that modern conflicts will hinge on rapid data dominance rather than traditional firepower alone.
According to Liu Wei of the PLA’s Information Support Force, the project focuses on new cybersecurity-driven battlefield awareness models capable of merging multi-domain intelligence into unified operational maps. The approach aims to eliminate delays between sensing, analysis, and action, giving commanders a near real-time picture of evolving threats.
The report also highlighted quantum sensing technologies designed to detect stealth aircraft that evade conventional radar. Such systems could undermine the survivability of low-observable platforms that rely on reduced radar signatures to penetrate defended airspace.
Another major area under development is quantum positioning. These navigation systems are intended to function independently of satellite signals, making them resistant to GPS jamming and spoofing, tactics that have become common in modern electronic warfare.
Researchers said they have spent the past year working directly with frontline military units to refine practical applications. Data collected from live environments was reportedly used to build integrated situational awareness tools tailored to real operational conditions.
The PLA emphasized that quantum cyberwarfare is not being treated as theoretical research but as a future combat capability. Officials stressed continued collaboration between engineers and troops to accelerate deployment readiness.
While China did not specify the full nature of the tools being tested, the announcement signals an expanding effort to weaponize quantum computing across intelligence gathering, secure communications, detection, and navigation. As global militaries race to harness quantum technology, Beijing’s disclosure suggests it intends to position itself at the forefront of a new battlefield domain where computing power could become as decisive as missiles or aircraft.