By A Correspondent

New Delhi: India’s military technology agency, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), opened a Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) on May 27, 2025, to boost the nation’s capabilities in strategic and defence applications of the emerging technology.

DRDO Chairman and Department of Defence R&D Secretary Dr Samir V. Kamat inaugurated the facility at Metcalfe House here. India’s Ministry of Defence statement said it was set up to further strengthen indigenous quantum capabilities for strategic and defence applications.

QRTC is equipped with state-of-the-art experimental setups designed to propel research and development in critical quantum domains, it said.

“The key capabilities of this centre include Characterisation of  Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers and Distributed Feedback Lasers; Test-beds for evaluating single-photon sources; and Set-up for characterisation of Micro-Fabricated Alkali Vapor Cell,” the statement said.

The facility also has “experimental platforms for developing and validating Quantum Key Distribution techniques to enable ultra-secure communication and safeguard national security in the post-quantum era, spearheaded by Scientific Analysis Group (SAG), DRDO.”

Spearheaded by Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), the QTRC would focus on foundational technologies, including an Ultra-Small Atomic Clock based on Coherent Population Trapping for highly precise timekeeping in Global Navigation Satellite System-denied environments, an Atomic Magnetometer using optically pumped magnetometry for ultra-sensitive magnetic field detection, and Cutting-edge solid-state quantum devices and materials.

“DRDO continues to lead India’s quantum initiatives across verticals such as quantum sensing, secure communications, and post-quantum cryptography. As a key stakeholder in the National Quantum Mission, DRDO is committed to fostering indigenous innovation and developing sovereign quantum technologies to secure India’s strategic future,” the statement said.

DRDO Director General (Micro Electronic Devices, Computational Systems, and Cyber Systems) Suma Varughese, who conceptualised this cutting-edge facility, Director General (Resource and Management) Dr Manu Korulla, and Directors of SSPL and SAG, were present on the occasion.

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