In a significant move towards enhancing national security and self-reliance, the Indian Army signed its eighth procurement contract through the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative. This latest agreement, signed at South Block, New Delhi, involves the procurement of ‘Quantum Secure Key Generation’ technology from QuNu Labs, a leader in quantum technology. The signing took place in the presence of Lt Gen NC Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
QuNu Labs’ proposal for a 200-kilometer single-hop Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) was selected under iDEX’s Open Challenge 2.0. This system, which replaces traditional algorithm-based encryption, is expected to significantly enhance security while reducing manpower requirements. By adopting QKD, the Indian Army aims to stay ahead in safeguarding critical communications in an era where quantum computing poses potential risks to conventional encryption methods.
iDEX, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 at Defence Expo India, is designed to foster innovation and technological advancements in the defense and aerospace sectors. By connecting startups, research institutions, and academia, the initiative supports cutting-edge solutions that meet the unique demands of the Indian military.
With over 74 projects currently underway under iDEX, the Indian Army is handholding 77 startups to develop state-of-the-art solutions for national defense. The program also includes challenges such as Acing Development of Innovation Technology with iDEX (ADITI), the Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC), and other open challenge schemes. The Army has already started field exploitation of four technologies developed under iDEX, with plans for further innovation based on field results.
This contract with QuNu Labs demonstrates India’s commitment to both technological leadership and the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, ensuring advanced security capabilities for the nation.