According to IBM, quantum computing could destroy countries’ cybersecurity. Faced with this threat, the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) announces the creation of prototypes of universal quantum computers from 2032 as part of the PROQCIMA program, as reported by our colleagues at Numerama.
Five French start-ups tasked with creating quantum computers
The DGA is aware of the technological challenges ahead. AI is already raising many questions among experts and quantum computing is not exempt from France’s concerns. On March 7, 2024, the Army announced framework agreements with Alice & Bob, C12, Pasqal, Quobly and Quellela. These French companies will be responsible for the design of universal quantum computers.
The DGA announces that these companies will ensure “the development of the most promising technologies, from laboratory prototypes to large-scale quantum computing solutions usable for Defense needs”. Every year, the objectives of this program will be refocused. In 2028, there will only be three start-ups left in the running, then two in 2032. They will have to submit two prototypes to the government.
These prototypes must be capable of processing 128 logical qubits. This is a computing unit that benefits from error correction, making it more stable and reliable for complex calculations. Simply put, having 128 logical qubits means that the computer can process a large amount of information simultaneously, far exceeding the capabilities of conventional computers. For 2035, the DGA announces a target of 2048 logical qubits.
Quantum computing therefore has a “major importance” for the armies, as the DGA explains, since it could modify war as we know it. More precisely, at the level of communications and cryptography.
The 2024-2030 military programming law declares that for “maintain the operational superiority of our armies”, it is necessary to invest in this technology. The White House, for its part, has been examining the risks and benefits of quantum computing since 2022.
Emmanuel Macron sets five objectives for the PROQCIMA program
In January 2021, the President of the Republic unveiled his strategy for financing quantum technologies benefiting from a budget of 1.8 billion dollars over four years, including 1 billion allocated by the State as part of this public- private.
France has set five objectives as part of the PROQCIMA program:
- The development of technologies and uses of quantum computing.
- Mastery of quantum sensor technologies.
- The development and then diffusion of post-quantum cryptography.
- The development of quantum communication technologies.
- Mastery of quantum enabling technologies.
The government announces that quantum start-ups “have raised more than 350 million euros”making “France the leading European country in terms of fundraising”. The United States and Canada are in front of France.