India Launches Quantum Research Centre for Defence Use
India has taken a major stride in quantum technology by inaugurating a state-of-the-art Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Delhi. This facility is poised to play a crucial role in advancing India’s strategic and defence preparedness through the indigenous development of quantum technologies.
Located at Metcalfe House, the new research hub was launched on May 27 and will serve as a nucleus for research in critical quantum fields including secure communications, quantum sensing, and next-generation cryptography. The centre represents a major milestone in India’s journey towards technological self-reliance in advanced defence technologies.
Focus on Strategic Quantum Capabilities
The new facility is equipped with cutting-edge experimental infrastructure that will drive development in multiple domains. These include testbeds for single-photon source evaluation, setups for characterizing Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs), Distributed Feedback Lasers, and micro-fabricated alkali vapor cells—core components in quantum communication and sensing systems.
One of the centre’s key missions is the development and validation of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocols, which enable unbreakable encryption by leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics. Additionally, research is underway on atomic clocks based on Coherent Population Trapping, which will allow high-precision timekeeping even in GPS-denied scenarios. These technologies are vital for autonomous navigation systems and defence-grade communication platforms.
DRDO’s Broader Quantum Vision
The Quantum Technology Research Centre is part of a larger effort by DRDO to expand India’s quantum ecosystem. Other focus areas include optically pumped atomic magnetometers for ultra-sensitive magnetic detection, solid-state quantum devices, and material research critical for future quantum computers and sensors.
As a core partner in the National Quantum Mission, DRDO aims to ensure that India becomes a global player in quantum science. This new facility is not only expected to catalyze innovation within India’s defence establishment but also to contribute significantly to global advancements in quantum research.
The launch of the QTRC signifies India’s resolve to build sovereign technologies in areas considered critical for future national security. With this move, India reinforces its ambition to be at the forefront of quantum-enabled defence innovation in the 21st century.
