DRDO Launches Quantum Technology Research Centre in Delhi to Advance Indigenous Defence Capabilities

In a significant step toward bolstering India's indigenous quantum technology ecosystem, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) at the historic Metcalfe House complex in Delhi on May 27, 2025. The state-of-the-art facility was officially opened by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, underlining India’s growing emphasis on quantum technologies for national security and strategic applications.

A Leap Toward Quantum Supremacy in Defence

The QTRC is envisioned as a dedicated hub for cutting-edge quantum research, with a focus on both foundational science and mission-critical defence applications. The centre will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between theoretical quantum science and practical defence solutions, enabling the development of secure communication, advanced computing, and precision navigation technologies that are resilient to conventional electronic threats.

According to DRDO, the facility is equipped with specialized laboratories, including:

• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) testbeds

• Cryogenic systems for superconducting qubit development

• Ultra-low-noise photonics labs

• Quantum magnetometry setups

• Quantum sensing and imaging units

• Quantum random number generation (QRNG) validation systems

Core Research Domains of QTRC

QTRC will focus on four major domains of quantum science with defence relevance:

1. Quantum Communication
   The facility will enhance DRDO’s capabilities in quantum key distribution (QKD) — a technique that allows two parties to exchange encryption keys with theoretically unbreakable security, immune to brute-force attacks by classical or quantum computers. DRDO has previously demonstrated terrestrial QKD and now aims to advance toward satellite-based QKD systems.

2. Quantum Computing
   With the global race to develop scalable quantum computers underway, QTRC aims to contribute by developing quantum processor prototypes, especially leveraging superconducting qubits, topological qubits, and photonic quantum circuits. These systems have potential applications in cryptography, logistics optimization, and material simulations for defence.

3. Quantum Sensing and Metrology
   Quantum sensors can detect minute changes in gravity, acceleration, and magnetic fields, enabling applications such as GPS-independent navigation, underground structure detection, and low-signature submarine tracking. QTRC’s labs will explore cold atom interferometry, quantum magnetometers, and entangled photon sensors.

4. Quantum Materials and Devices
   A foundational pillar of the centre’s work involves developing novel quantum materials, including 2D materials, nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, and superconducting thin films, essential for creating stable and scalable quantum devices.

Strategic Importance and National Synergy

The QTRC complements DRDO’s existing efforts through its Young Scientist Laboratories (DYSL-QT) in IIT Bombay and ongoing collaborations with Indian academic institutions and startups. The Centre also aligns with the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications (NM-QTA), announced by the Government of India, and is expected to foster public-private partnerships.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Samir V. Kamat highlighted the long-term vision of the facility, stating:

“Quantum technologies represent the next frontier in secure communication, intelligence gathering, and precision warfare. QTRC will be a keystone in ensuring India’s strategic autonomy in this domain.”

Way Forward

With quantum advancements being flagged as critical by nations worldwide, India’s investment in such indigenous facilities ensures it will not lag behind in this technological arms race. The QTRC stands as a symbol of India's commitment to technological sovereignty, fostering a new era of innovation in quantum-enabled defence systems.

As global threats evolve and require stealthier, faster, and more secure technological solutions, the Quantum Technology Research Centre will serve as a nucleus for innovation, capacity-building, and national resilience in the rapidly advancing world of quantum science.