The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has reported a live-network trial of quantum-secured communication at its test facility in Chandipur, Odisha, marking another step in India’s work on protecting defence data with quantum technology. The demonstration was carried out on the dynamic test ranges at the Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), where sensitive observations and telemetry from weapon trials are routinely generated.
What DRDO said
According to DRDO’s announcement issued on 14 October 2026, the organisation successfully configured and tested a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) platform on the live network at PXE, Chandipur. DRDO said the system was designed and developed under its Microelectronic Devices, Computational Systems and Cyber Security (MCC) cluster, in collaboration with production partner Taqbit Labs.
In its statement, DRDO said: “Advancing India’s capabilities in quantum-secured communications, DRDO successfully configured and tested Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) platform in the live network of the dynamic test ranges at Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur. This demonstrates the adept use case of QKD to fortify the real-time critical observations & telemetry associated with Artillery and Armoured Weapon tests and evaluation.” The organisation further noted that the system “will aptly provide unconditional security added with eavesdropping detection.”
Why QKD matters
Quantum Key Distribution uses quantum physics, typically by transmitting individual photons, to generate and share cryptographic keys between authorised users. Its key security feature is that an attempt to intercept or measure the signal disturbs it, which allows eavesdropping to be detected.
The keys created through QKD are then used with conventional encryption methods to secure data. DRDO’s statement presents this as providing unconditional security for key distribution, while the overall security of a communication system still depends on correct implementation and protection of connected devices and networks.
Operational setting at Chandipur
The trial was conducted in an operational military test-range environment, not just in a laboratory. PXE’s weapon trials involve real-time information such as telemetry, sensor readings, performance parameters and technical observations, which move between multiple centres during testing. DRDO’s demonstration indicates that QKD can be used to protect this kind of data from interception and to flag attempted eavesdropping.
PXE at Chandipur is a long-established DRDO laboratory responsible for design and developmental trials of guns, mortars, rockets, tank guns and their ammunition, as well as performance evaluation of tank armour and related systems. Its coastal range supports extensive testing activity, making secure transmission of trial data a practical requirement.
Earlier work with Taqbit Labs
This is not the first reported step in the programme. On 14 July 2026, DRDO and Taqbit Labs completed military field trials of a scalable, practically secure, fibre-based QKD system. DRDO described that milestone as laying the foundation for large-scale, multi-hop quantum networks that are indigenously designed and capable of safeguarding national communication infrastructure against emerging cyber threats in the quantum era.
Taqbit Labs, a Bengaluru-based firm, has been working with DRDO on QKD systems for the Indian Armed Forces since 2020. The collaboration has focused on solutions that can work with existing networks as well as new deployments.
What remains undisclosed
DRDO has not released additional technical parameters from the Chandipur demonstration, including specific link distances, key rates or detailed performance metrics. So, while the trial is confirmed, the exact technical scale of the test has not been made public.
The latest demonstration shows a practical use of indigenous quantum technology in a defence testing environment and adds to India’s broader efforts to develop quantum-safe communication capabilities for strategic applications.
