The Turkish defense industry is entering a new era in quantum technologies, which are regarded as one of the critical technology fields of the future. The “SSB Quantum Program Introduction” event was hosted by the Presidency of Defense Industries with the participation of Higher Education Council President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, university rectors, academics and sector stakeholders. During the program, Türkiye’s strategic vision for developing national capabilities in quantum computing, quantum sensing and quantum communication was shared with the public.

President of the Presidency of Defense Industries Haluk Görgün emphasized that quantum technologies are no longer only a theoretical field of science, but have become a strategic capability area that will directly shape the future of the defense industry. According to Görgün, quantum technologies offer critical opportunities in areas such as cryptology, optimization, data analysis, simulation and signal-independent navigation. National solutions to be developed in these fields are considered highly important for Türkiye’s future security architecture and technological independence.

Görgün stated that dependence on foreign sources in critical technologies is not only a procurement issue, but also a matter of sovereignty. He noted that Türkiye has achieved a major transformation over the last 20 years by reducing foreign dependence in the defense industry, and that developing original solutions in new technology areas is now a necessity. In this context, the SSB Quantum Program stands out as an important part of Türkiye’s goal to become not only a follower, but also a developer and implementer of quantum technologies in line with its own priorities.

Several strategic projects were also signed during the event. Separate signing ceremonies were held for the “Superconducting Quantum Processor Unit Development Project,” the “Use and Demonstration of Quantum Magnetometer for Navigation and Submarine Detection Project,” the “Defense Industry Quantum Technologies Strategic Competence Development Cooperation Protocol,” and the “SSB Quantum Algorithm Competition.” These projects are regarded as critical first steps in transferring quantum technologies into defense applications.

Quantum magnetometer studies draw particular attention in terms of signal-independent navigation and submarine detection. In the modern warfare environment, jamming or spoofing GPS and other satellite-based systems can directly affect the navigation capability of platforms. Quantum-based sensing solutions have the potential to offer high-precision alternatives against these risks. In challenging mission areas such as submarine detection, quantum sensor technologies are also expected to provide new capabilities.

Higher Education Council President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar stated that going beyond existing technologies is necessary to achieve full independence in the defense industry. Özvar said that quantum technologies will create a transformative impact across a wide range of fields, from defense and communication to cybersecurity and healthcare technologies. For this reason, he emphasized that building strong human resources and research infrastructure in the quantum field is not a choice, but a necessity for Türkiye.

The strategic competence development protocol signed between YÖK and SSB aims to train qualified human resources in quantum computing, quantum sensing and quantum communication. Within the scope of the protocol, it is planned to develop education programs from associate degree to doctoral level, update existing programs, create certificate programs, prepare interdisciplinary educational content and strengthen research centers and laboratory infrastructures. Scholarships, internship programs, research projects, summer schools and technical events are also planned to encourage young people to focus on the quantum field.

The SSB Quantum Program shows that the Turkish defense industry has made quantum technologies a strategic priority alongside other critical fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, semiconductor technologies, advanced materials and space systems. This step may provide Türkiye with significant advantages in data security, high-precision sensing, advanced simulation, complex optimization and next-generation communication capabilities. The process initiated in the field of quantum is considered a new and advanced phase of the defense industry’s technological independence goal.