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Finland Leads EU Quantum Defence Project for Security

Defence Technology

Business Honor
02 June, 2025

Finland leads EU’s QUEST project using quantum technology to boost defence, surveillance, and strategic autonomy.

Finland will spearhead a new European Union (EU) project that applies advanced quantum technology for defense applications, the country's defense ministry announced on Friday. In order to significantly enhance Europe's defense capabilities, the QUEST (Quantum Enablers for Strategic Advantage) project aims to study and implement quantum technologies.

QUEST aims to enhance European defense forces' strategic autonomy and resilience by developing precise PNT capabilities in strategic defense domains like border surveillance, air and missile defense, and positioning.

"Finland has advanced expertise in quantum technology and hosts one of the most advanced ecosystems in this field," said Finnish Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen. "We are committed to integrating quantum technologies into our defence capabilities."

The project is collaboration between Finland’s VTT Technical Research Centre and the Finnish defence administration, with participation from other EU member states, including Germany, France, and Italy. QUEST is part of the sixth wave of initiatives under the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), a framework designed to strengthen European defence through collaborative projects.

By strengthening its defense technological and industrial base, the EU hopes to gain long-term strategic advantages against new threats from around the world. On May 27, the European Council formally approved the most recent round of 11 PESCO projects, including QUEST, increasing the total to 75.

By integrating quantum science into military technology, QUEST puts the EU at the forefront of next-generation defense innovation and is a significant step toward future-proofing Europe's security infrastructure.