French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced an updated “ambitious and sovereign” quantum strategy on June 10, 2025, at the France Quantum event in Paris DSEI Gateway report on French defense quantum strategy. The statement emphasized defense applications of quantum technologies including sensing, computing, and secure communications.
The announcement reaffirmed France’s commitment to maintaining sovereign capabilities in quantum technology development while continuing European collaboration. Priority areas include quantum sensors for navigation and electronic warfare, quantum computing for defense modeling and simulation, and quantum key distribution for classified communications.
The strategy update follows the 2024 award of €500 million in framework agreements to five French startups for universal quantum computer development. Implementation will involve coordination between the Ministry of the Armed Forces, the Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives, and industrial partners.