Indian Army Advances Atmanirbhar Initiative with Quantum Secure Key Contract

The Indian Army has signed its eighth procurement contract under the iDEX initiative with QuNu Labs for Quantum Key Distribution. The move aims to enhance security and reduce manpower. Launched in 2018 by PM Modi, iDEX fosters innovation in Defence and Aerospace, supporting startups and R&D institutes.

In a significant stride towards the Atmanirbhar initiative, the Indian Army on Monday signed its eighth procurement contract through Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX). The contract with QuNu Labs, for the procurement of 'Generation of Quantum Secure Key (Quantum Key Distribution)', was signed in the presence of Lt Gen NC Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, at South Block, New Delhi.

QuNu Labs proposed a 200 km single hop Quantum Key Distribution in Open Challenge 2.0 under iDEX. This will replace algorithm-based encryption systems, thereby enhancing security and optimizing manpower. iDEX, launched by Prime Minister Modi on April 12, 2018, during Defence Expo India 2018, is designed to foster innovation and encourage technological development in Defence and Aerospace.

The initiative engages Research & Development institutes, academia, industries including MSMEs, startups, and individual innovators, providing them with grants and funding to carry out R&D with potential for future adoption by Indian Defence and Aerospace organizations. At present, the Indian Army has 74 projects under iDEX, involving the development of state-of-the-art solutions in collaboration with 77 startups. The Army is currently field testing equipment delivered through iDEX schemes, with future developments planned based on the results. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)