US Air Force to build long distance quantum resilient network
Swiss quantum startup Terra Quantum has won a bid to build a secure long distance quantum resilient network in the US.
The feasibility study by Terra Quantum for the US Department of the Air Force (DAF) would combine quantum key distribution (QKD), quantum random number generation (QRNG) and non-quantum post quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms for the quantum resilient network.
Terra Quantum has already shown quantum key distribution over a record distance of 1707km on optical fibres and expects this network to be bigger and could include quantum satellite links.
“While the project may primarily involve fiber optic networks for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Terra Quantum’s capabilities are not limited to fiber optics. We also integrate Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), which can be applied across various communication infrastructures. This ensures comprehensive quantum-resistant security beyond just fiber optic networks,” Florian Neukart, chief product officer at Terra Quantum tells eeNews Europe.
“This is a phase 1 contract to determine the feasibility of this quantum network for the Air Force and to gather guidance from key stakeholders. Designing and building the network would be part of a phase two contract. That said, we expect the length of this network to exceed our previous world record,” he said.
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The single span distance for QKD typically varies depending on the specific implementation and the use of intermediary nodes or repeaters. However, Terra Quantum’s current implementation does not require quantum repeaters. Instead it uses an intermediate number of photons, which allows the signal to be amplified using existing telecom infrastructure. As a result, a single span can cover up to several tens of kilometres without the need for repeaters, depending on the quality of the fibre and other factors.
“While the current project focuses on fibre optic networks, Terra Quantum’s QKD technology can be adapted to the constraints and requirements of satellite communication,” added Neukart. “This adaptability ensures secure key exchange over long distances without the need for quantum repeaters, making it suitable for satellite-based implementations.
The company says the contract underscores the critical role of quantum technology in securing communications against future quantum threats to boost the efficiency and security of US military operations.
Terra Quantum will focus on providing an ultra-secure, long-range communications network based on post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Adding QKD and QRNG would provide the highest level of cybersecurity and a robust defence against hack-now, decrypt-later attacks.
www.terraquantum.swiss; www.afresearchlab.com
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