India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested an indigenous Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system on a live military communication network at the Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) in Chandipur, Odisha. The development marks a significant step towards strengthening the security of sensitive defence communications against emerging cyber threats.
The system was tested to protect critical information generated during artillery and armoured weapon trials, including telemetry, technical observations and other operational data exchanged across the military testing network. The successful demonstration highlights India’s growing capabilities in quantum communication technology and its efforts to develop advanced defence security solutions domestically.
Quantum Key Distribution uses the principles of quantum physics to generate and distribute cryptographic keys between authorised parties. Unlike conventional key distribution methods, QKD can help detect attempts to intercept quantum signals because unauthorised measurement can disturb their quantum properties. These characteristics make the technology a promising option for protecting sensitive information transmitted across military and strategic communication networks.
The QKD platform was developed under DRDO’s Microelectronic Devices, Computational Systems and Cyber Security (MCC) cluster, with Bengaluru-based Taqbit Labs serving as its production partner. Its demonstration on an operational military network represents an important step towards applying quantum security beyond controlled laboratory environments. The technology could help protect communications supporting weapons development, equipment evaluation and other defence activities that depend on the secure exchange of technical information.
The Chandipur facility plays an important role in the testing and evaluation of artillery systems, armoured platforms and other defence equipment. Such trials generate valuable data that must be transmitted reliably and securely between monitoring stations and evaluation teams. Integrating quantum-based key distribution into this environment could provide an additional layer of protection for the encryption systems used to secure these communications.
The latest achievement builds on India’s broader efforts to advance quantum communication technologies. DRDO and researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi demonstrated quantum key distribution over an optical-fibre link exceeding 100 kilometres between Prayagraj and Vindhyachal in Uttar Pradesh in February 2022. Subsequent research into fibre-based and free-space quantum communication has continued to expand the country’s technological capabilities, supporting potential applications in defence, telecommunications and critical infrastructure.
India’s National Quantum Mission, approved in 2023 with an allocation of ₹6,003.65 crore for the 2023–24 to 2030–31 period, further supports the development of domestic capabilities in quantum computing, communication, sensing and related technologies. These initiatives are intended to strengthen India’s scientific ecosystem and reduce dependence on foreign technologies in strategically important areas.
Although QKD offers significant potential, it is not a standalone cybersecurity solution. Its practical effectiveness depends on secure authentication, reliable equipment and the protection of connected communication infrastructure. Further testing and integration will be important in determining how widely the system can be deployed across India’s defence establishments.
The successful demonstration at Chandipur highlights DRDO’s continued focus on developing indigenous technologies for national security. As military networks become increasingly dependent on digital communications, quantum-secured systems could play a growing role in protecting sensitive information and strengthening India’s preparedness for future cybersecurity challenges.