Tracking Quantum S&T from strategy to implementation plan: what we learned about the Canadian Armed Forces’ quantum posture

The Department of National Defence has been an important actor in the shaping of Canada's strategic approach to quantum science and technology through the release of two key documents: the Quantum S&T [Science and Technology] Strategy and the Quantum 2030 implementation plan. This article examines how the DND/CAF quantum strategies have been implemented over recent years and identifies how the approach to quantum science and technology has become more threat-focused. Through a mixed-method discourse analysis of these strategic documents, we argue that there is a transition of the Canadian stance from viewing quantum science and technology as a neutral space with opportunities and threats, to a more dangerous domain. We conclude that there is a significant intensification of threat language, discuss potential explanatory factors, and sketch out further research areas.