Airbus demos quantum-secure comms in live tactical operations

Airbus Defence and Space claims to have successfully demonstrated a quantum-secure tactical communications network connecting military and law enforcement users across different operational networks for the first time. The trial proves that mission-critical communications can evolve to protect sensitive data against current and emerging quantum threats, while seamlessly integrating advanced security technology into live operations.

Conducted in Malta on 10–11 September 2026, the self-funded live trial went beyond testing individual technologies. Moving quantum security from theory to practice, Airbus demonstrated a quantum-secure network architecture combining quantum-resistant algorithms (post-quantum cryptography, or PQC) and physics-based secure key exchange (quantum key distribution, or QKD) across multiple nodes.

Intelligent key management and software-defined networking (SDN) dynamically orchestrated encryption and routing as mission conditions changed. The result shows that multi-domain tactical communications can seamlessly adapt in real time during live operations, keeping mission-critical data quantum-safe.

At the centre of the demonstration was Agnet, Airbus’s communication and collaboration platform, showing that established Airbus operational solutions can incorporate next-generation security technology as threat landscapes evolve. Merqury Cybersecurity provided the key management system (KMS) and SDN technology, supporting the dynamic coordination of cryptographic keys and network routing across the demonstration.

The architecture also integrated Stormshield network encryptors and QKD technology from Telsy, a TIM Enterprise brand through Quantum Telecommunications Italy (QTI), over Melita’s telecommunications infrastructure in Malta. The trial furthermore directly counters the critical ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ threat, where sensitive information intercepted today could be decrypted by future quantum computers.

By integrating quantum-safe protection, dynamic network orchestration and multi-domain communication, Airbus says it is turning quantum security from a theoretical concept into a mission-ready defence capability.

Image credit: iStock.com/ArtemisDiana