India Breaks Ground in Quantum Cyber Security with Groundbreaking DRDO Experiment
In a significant breakthrough, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully demonstrated quantum entanglement-based free-space secure communication over a distance of more than 1 km on Monday, paving the way for India's foray into a new era of secure communications. This cutting-edge technology has far-reaching implications for the country's defense, finance, telecommunications, and national security sectors.
The experiment, conducted in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), used a free-space optical link to establish a quantum communication system. The results showed a secure key rate of nearly 240 bits per second with a quantum bit error rate of less than 7%, rendering traditional communication methods vulnerable to interception and eavesdropping.
DRDO's Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM) sanctioned the project 'Design and development of photonic technologies for free space QKD', under which Prof Bhaskar Kanseri's research group successfully demonstrated the technology. The demonstration was attended by senior scientists from different DRDO establishments, IIT, and other experts.
Quantum communication provides unbreakable encryption, a game-changer in future warfare. This technology has multiple applications, including securing data in strategic sectors and protecting national security-related communications. Free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) eliminates the need for expensive optical fibers, making it an attractive option for challenging terrains and dense urban environments.
India's entry into quantum cyber security marks a significant milestone in its defense and research capabilities. The country has been working on various projects related to quantum communication, including developing intercity quantum communication links and distribution of quantum keys over long distances.
These groundbreaking experiments highlight the potential of quantum-based cyber and information security technologies developed by DRDO. The agency's continued focus on research and development will push India to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field.
The technology is being developed through DRDO-Industry-Academia – Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs) initiative, with 15 CoEs established at premier academic institutes like IITs, Indian Institute of Science, and various universities. The success of these projects underscores India's commitment to innovation and defense readiness in the face of emerging technological challenges.