NQM, DoS Working on Hack-Proof, Quantum-Safe Communication Tech for India's Defence Sector

The Indian government has embarked on an ambitious project to develop quantum-safe, hack-proof communication technologies for the country's defense sector, following Operation Sindoor, where security concerns were raised. The Department of Space is working closely with officials from the National Quantum Mission (NQM) to create a network of satellites that can protect against hacking by quantum computers.

Quantum computing has emerged as a significant threat to global cybersecurity, and China has made notable strides in this area. According to Ajai Chowdhry, Chairman of the Mission Governing Board for the National Quantum Mission, "China has made major strides in quantum computing and can break regular security systems much faster than anybody else." This poses a significant risk to India's defense forces, which rely on satellite communication systems like the Indian Constellation (NavIC) system.

To mitigate this threat, NQM is working on developing a quantum-secure satellite network with post-quantum cryptography (PQC) VPNs. These technologies will ensure that any satellite communication is protected against hacking by a quantum computer. Indian private satellite companies are also involved in building this quantum-safe satellite network.

According to Chowdhry, the development of this network is crucial for India's defense forces, as it can prevent data from being compromised and sent back to China. "Technologies like NavIC can be broken by China if it uses quantum," he said. "So, quantum-secure space communication is very important for us."

The first quantum satellite is expected to be announced within the next two to three months, with the entire network of satellites likely to be completed by 2027. In the meantime, Indian authorities are working to integrate long-distance quantum key distribution (QKD) networks on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and higher satellites by early August.

Equipping defense satellites with PQC solutions will also generate digital signatures for each defense location, eliminating the need for individual authentication keys to be sent from ground stations to satellites. However, this requires the help of satellite providers like ISRO to carry the necessary hardware onto the satellites.

The Threat Landscape

According to the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), India's cyberspace has become a war scene following Operation Sindoor. The country has faced multiple cyberattacks allegedly from Pakistani threat actors, alongside a surge in state-linked propaganda operations. Prior to Operation Sindoor, ORF reported that Pakistan-based hackers targeted Indian defense organizations and local government portals.

One notable incident involved the website of the Armoured Vehicle Nigam Ltd, a defense public sector unit, being defaced with a Pakistani flag and the Pakistan Army's Al Khalid tank. Additionally, some media outlets reported data breaches, although these claims remain unsubstantiated.

The Rise of Quantum Computing

China has made significant strides in quantum computing, with its latest prototype, Zuchongzhi-3, reportedly surpassing the world's most powerful supercomputer. According to Physical Review Letter publication, Zuchongzhi-3 is a million times faster than Google's Sycamore superconducting quantum processor.

With this technology, China can break regular security systems much faster than anybody else. This poses a significant risk to India's defense forces and emphasizes the need for a quantum-secure space communication network.

A Secure Future

The development of a quantum-safe satellite network is crucial for India's defense sector. With the help of NQM and ISRO, Indian authorities are working to create a secure communication system that can protect against hacking by quantum computers.

According to Chowdhry, the government is dedicated to making all these satellites quantum-secure within the required time-frame. The development of this network will ensure that India's defense forces have a secure means of communication, protecting sensitive information from potential threats.