Quantum Challenge to Stealth

For three decades, stealth has been the ace of modern air power. However, a new family of quantum sensors, especially quantum radar, threatens to tilt the contest back in favour of the observer. For countries like Pakistan, which prize cost-efficient survivability, the message is to prepare: deepen R&D literacy, plug into credible partner programmes even beyond traditional partners, and track the pace-setters closely. In this race, collaboration with leading nations and labs will matter as much as kit.

Stealth rose from a deep understanding of classical radar: reduce the radar cross-section through shaping and coatings, then manage emissions and tactics. Quantum sensing comes from a different lineage. In 2008, Seth Lloyd proposed “quantum illumination” using entangled photons to spot faint targets in noise. Laboratory work soon showed that correlations with a retained “idler” photon can lift detection above classical baselines.

In essence, quantum radar pairs “signal” and “idler” photons. One is transmitted; its twin is retained. Even if the echo is vanishingly slight or scrambled, the receiver hunts for correlations with the stored twin, which amounts to a quantum “fingerprint”. Because detection rests on correlation, emissions can be very low, conferring a low-probability-of-intercept advantage and resilience to jamming. That shift is precisely why stealth airframes will be less protected, even in clutter and poor weather conditions.

However, none of this makes stealth “obsolete” tomorrow: signature control still complicates tracking. With the receivers getting better at spotting weak cues, low-observable aircraft may be detected earlier in a tight air theatre like South Asia, where seconds matter. Pakistan demonstrated in the 100-hour war how disciplined preparation can alter the course of a contest. By combining Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) with low-frequency sensors and strict emission control, the PAF was able to constrain the options of the adversary. Becoming “quantum-ready” would push that advantage further.

Major powers are already treating quantum sensing as a strategic asset. In the US, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is spearheading the Quantum Apertures programme, building on the earlier QuASAR effort, which aims to exploit Rydberg-atom receivers. They are designed for agile, ultra-sensitive radio frequency (RF) sensing, with applications in radar, electronic warfare (EW), and communications.

China’s state conglomerate China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) publicly signalled ambition by touting a quantum radar prototype at the 2018 Zhuhai Airshow. Canada has funded Arctic-oriented quantum radar research through its All-Domain Situational Awareness (ADSA) stream. For Pakistan, joint workshops and test data exchanges with international partners are practical ways to learn without overspending.

At home, technologically, Pakistan is not starting from zero. The Lahore University of Management Sciences, through its Physics Laboratory, runs a long-standing single-photon programme for foundational Quantum Information Science, including single-photon interference, Bell tests, quantum eraser, and tomography. This is the right pipeline for optics and for Quantum Key Distribution.

Similarly, the Centre of Excellence for Technology, Quantum and AI Pakistan positions itself as a dedicated quantum research centre and reports a 400-qubit system, Quaid Quantum 1, together with its own cryogenic infrastructure, QryoPak, and a software framework, BARQ. Whether one views Quaid Quantum 1 as a production platform or a development step, the signal is clear. Local teams are attempting end-to-end stacks from hardware to code.

Alongside, the National University of Sciences and Technology hosts the Supercomputing Research and Education Centre, which supports simulation, optimisation, and algorithm development tied to quantum-inspired methods. These are the disciplines that move bench work toward fieldable modules. Air University is embedding Quantum Information Science in its programmes, creating a training bridge into defence labs. The National Aerospace Science and Technology Park, a Pakistan Air Force-led cluster, can act as an integrator through systems engineering, secure test ranges, dual-use prototyping, and transition to platforms.

This base is promising because quantum radar is not built in a single leap; it grows out of building blocks Pakistan already touches. The policy outlook is beginning to match this base: the Public Sector Development Programme has launched Common Criteria Pakistan and Quantum Communication. The need of the hour is consistency and adaptation through a long-term strategy. Although the hardware may arrive slowly, the human capital must be in place early. Investing in optics, microwave engineering, cryogenics, and software ensures that, when commercial technologies mature, the capacity to integrate and adapt them is available in-house.

All in all, stealth will remain valuable, yet the centre of gravity is shifting from platform invisibility to network advantage. In South Asia’s tight air theatre, initiative will belong to the side that fuses quantum-aided detection with resilient architectures and rapid decision cycles. In this race, the early bird catches the worm. Quantum sensing may enhance detection, but outcomes will still be shaped by thought, flexibility, and timing.