Indian Army sets up Quantum Laboratory
- The Army has set up a quantum computing laboratory and a centre for artificial intelligence (AI) at a military engineering institute in Madhya Pradesh's Mhow.
- The two centres will carry out extensive research in developing transformative technologies for use by the armed forces.
Quantum computing
- It is an area of computing focused on developing computer technology based on the principles of quantum theory (which explains the behavior of energy and material on the atomic and subatomic levels).
- Computers used today can only encode information in bits that take the value of 1 or 0—restricting their ability.
- Quantum computing, on the other hand, uses quantum bits or qubits.
- It harnesses the unique ability of subatomic particles that allows them to exist in more than one state (i.e., a 1 and a 0 at the same time).
Capabilities Envisaged & Reaping the Benefits:
- The research undertaken by the Indian Army in the field of Quantum Technology will help leapfrog into next-generation communication and transform the current system of cryptography in the Indian Armed Forces to Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC).
- The key thrust areas consist of:
- Quantum Key Distribution,
- Quantum Communication,
- Quantum Computing,
- Post-Quantum Cryptography
- With this initiative on the table, it will set an apt example of Civil-Military fusion with Self-Reliant India as a key driving factor.
- The initiatives have incorporated Academia (such as IITs) DRDO organizations, Research Institutes, Corporate firms, Startups, and Industry players for fielding progressive solutions.