The "Defense Quantum Acceleration Act of 2025" aims to significantly accelerate the adoption and implementation of quantum information science (QIS) technologies within the Department of Defense (DoD). It mandates the Secretary of Defense to establish a comprehensive set of activities for this purpose. A key provision is the designation of a Principal Quantum Advisor within 180 days of enactment, who will be responsible for coordinating, overseeing, and managing these QIS transition efforts across the Department.

The Principal Quantum Advisor's responsibilities include exploring and identifying QIS technologies that demonstrate value for DoD missions and can address operational problems. They are tasked with developing and executing plans to transition these technologies from the research and development phase into operational use within each of the Armed Forces. This involves defining and codifying defense QIS use cases, evaluating the technology and manufacturing readiness levels of potential solutions, and initiating prototyping for mature technologies or planning funding for less mature ones.

The bill specifies various QIS technology areas to be explored, such as quantum sensing (e.g., alternative precision navigation and timing, undersea detection), quantum computing (e.g., quantum-enabled machine learning, simulation), quantum communications, and hybrid quantum systems. To accelerate development and fielding, the Advisor will leverage flexible regulations, personnel, and partnerships with industry and academia. Continuous engagement with combatant commands, defense industries, and research institutions is also emphasized.

Furthermore, the Principal Quantum Advisor must conduct quarterly outreach with industry and academic leaders to educate them on national security QIS use cases and operational challenges, and to facilitate the commercialization of QIS solutions. The bill also promotes international collaboration, requiring the Advisor to align with AUKUS efforts by identifying and funding aligned QIS technologies with the United Kingdom and Australia. Recurring multilateral meetings with quantum technology experts from AUKUS nations and NATO member nations are also mandated to facilitate information sharing and planning.

The Secretary of Defense is directed to develop a five-year strategic plan for the development, assessment, procurement, and implementation of QIS technologies within the DoD. This plan must include continuous evaluation, the development of a fault-tolerant, utility-scale quantum computer, and strategies for strengthening the QIS supply chain. Additionally, the bill establishes a National Security Quantum Information Science Adoption Acceleration Testbed, a joint center of excellence involving DoD research labs, National Labs, and QIS companies, to facilitate technology transition and workforce development, with an authorization of $20,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2029.

To bolster the QIS workforce, the Secretary must enhance research opportunities in military service academies and ROTC programs. Each Armed Force chief is also directed to adopt standard operating procedures for QIS workforce development and strategic planning. Finally, the Principal Quantum Advisor will conduct a budget review of all QIS activities across military departments and defense agencies, providing comments and certifying the adequacy of proposed budgets to the Secretary and Congress annually.