DRDO & IIT Delhi Demonstrate Quantum Secure Communication
According to reports, India has entered into a new quantum era by successfully demonstrating an experimental advancement through the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE), IIT Delhi. The free-space quantum secure communication using quantum entanglement over a distance of more than one km was achieved via a free-space optical link established on the IIT Delhi campus.
The experiment achieved a secure key rate of close to 240 bits per second, along with a quantum bit error rate below 7 percent. This advancement in entanglement-assisted quantum secure communication sets the stage for real-time applications in quantum cybersecurity, including long-distance Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the establishment of quantum networks, and the future of the quantum internet. These initiatives support India’s larger goals of advancing quantum technologies for national progress.
The project, titled ‘Design and Development of Photonic Technologies for Free Space QKD,’ was approved by the Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM) under DRDO, and was demonstrated by Prof Bhaskar Kanseri’s research group in the presence of distinguished guests such as the DRDO DG (MED, COS & CS), Director SAG, Director DFTM, Dean (R&D) of IIT Delhi, Director (DIA-CoE), and scientists from DRDO laboratories.
Quantum entanglement-based QKD presents numerous critical benefits compared to the conventional prepare-and-measure approach by providing enhanced security and functionality. Even if the devices are compromised or not perfect, the use of quantum entanglement guarantees secure key distribution. Any attempt to measure or intercept the entangled photons alters the quantum state, enabling authorized users to identify the existence of an eavesdropper.
Quantum communication offers inherently unbreakable encryption, categorizing it as a dual-use technology with applications in securing data across strategic sectors such as defense, finance, and telecommunications, in addition to safeguarding national security communications. With free-space QKD, there is no need to install optical fibers, which can be disruptive and costly, particularly in difficult terrains and densely populated urban areas.
Previously, in 2022, DRDO scientists, in collaboration with Prof Bhaskar’s team, demonstrated India’s first intercity quantum communication link between Vindhyachal and Prayagraj, utilizing commercial-grade underground dark optical fiber.
More recently, in 2024, the team successfully distributed quantum keys through entanglement over a 100 km length of telecom-grade optical fiber in another project supported by DRDO.
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These technologies are being developed through the DRDO-Industry-Academia – Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs) initiative, which has seen the establishment of 15 Centres of Excellence at leading academic institutions such as IITs, IISc, and various universities for the advancement of cutting-edge defense technologies.