The Indian Army has marked a major technological milestone with the development and integration of indigenous Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) solutions into its communication networks. This initiative, led by the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE) in Mhow under the Corps of Signals, reflects a forward-looking strategy aligned with the Chief of the Army Staff’s (COAS) technology roadmap.
Post-Quantum Cryptography is designed to withstand the decoding power of future quantum computers, which could potentially break traditional encryption systems. By embedding PQC into its operational infrastructure, the Indian Army is fortifying its information security and ensuring long-term resilience against emerging threats in the cyber and communication domains.
A cornerstone of this advancement is the Quantum Lab established at MCTE, with support from the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). The lab is actively working on cutting-edge areas including Quantum Computing, Quantum Key Distribution, and Quantum Communication, enabling India’s armed forces to be technologically competitive on the global stage.
The quantum leap comes as part of a broader transformation within the Army Technology Board, which has scaled up its projects from 17 to 62 under General Upendra Dwivedi. A parallel ₹500 crore investment through the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework is further boosting indigenous research and development, especially in high-end technologies like quantum systems, where global competition with countries like the U.S., China, and Russia is intensifying.
Experts have noted that PQC could be a game-changer for battlefield communication and data integrity, providing a crucial edge in environments where conventional networks are vulnerable to interception and disruption. A recent paper published in the Journal of Defense Technology underlined quantum communication as a foundational element for secure, resilient military infrastructure.
This move also dovetails with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, showcasing self-reliance in developing homegrown defense technologies that are critical for national security. As integration continues across the Army’s digital infrastructure, the development signals a shift towards next-generation warfare capabilities, with quantum readiness at its core.
