Babcock and Arqit Demonstrate Quantum-Safe Encryption for Defence Communications

thequantuminsider.com Sep 23, 2026

Babcock and Arqit Demonstrate Quantum-Safe Encryption for Defence Communications

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 23, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Babcock International and Arqit Quantum demonstrated a quantum‑safe data link at Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD) 2026. Scenario data collected at Millbrook was encrypted with Arqit’s software and transmitted to Babcock’s Ground Deployed Advanced Mortar System (GDAMS) at a second site without any physical inline encryptors. The test used a layered encryption network that can operate over 4G/5G, Wi‑Fi, satcom and legacy tactical radios, showing end‑to‑end protection for headquarters‑to‑platform communications in contested environments. The exercise follows a newly signed memorandum of understanding that outlines joint work on secure networking, systems integration, digital engineering and cryptographic solutions. Both firms highlighted the ability to keep battlefield intelligence safe from emerging quantum‑computing threats. The demonstration proved real‑time latency under 200 ms, meeting operational tempo requirements.

💡 Why It Matters

· By proving quantum‑safe links without hardware encryptors, forces can field lighter, faster fire‑control units that stay ahead of tomorrow’s decryption tools.

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Phasecraft Establishes U.S. Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia to Accelerate Government and Defense…

Phasecraft, a quantum‑software firm, announced the opening of its United States headquarters in the Ballston district of Arlington, Virginia. The move is backed by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and state funding through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, which will support workforce expansion. The Arlington base places the company within Washington, D.C. metro area, giving it access to federal defense, energy and commercial customers. Phasecraft’s U.S. activities already include participation in DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, where it validates fault‑tolerant algorithms, and a contract with ARPA‑E to develop quantum chemistry codes for catalytic material simulations. The new hub is intended to scale algorithm development, deepen cross‑stack integration with government agencies, and accelerate deployment of strategic hardware‑efficient software for fault‑tolerant quantum processors.

💡 By situating its HQ next to key defense and energy agencies, Phasecraft can turn federal research contracts into rapid product rollouts, giving the U.S. a home‑grown source of fault‑tolerant quantum software as hardware matures.

sundayworld.co.za · Sep 20

Stale intelligence, AI reliance cited in US strike on Iranian school

A U.S. airstrike on a primary school in Minab, Iran, on March 3, 2026, killed approximately 120 children. Bloomberg’s report, citing a Pentagon internal investigation, attributes the tragedy to a chain of preventable failures: outdated satellite imagery, reduced civilian‑harm mitigation staff, and heavy reliance on Palantir’s AI‑driven Maven system. The strike followed a rapid campaign that struck over 1,000 targets in 24 hours, leaving little time for thorough target verification. The investigation notes that the Minab site had been re‑purposed as a school, yet was still identified as a military target.

💡 The incident exposes systemic gaps in U.S. targeting protocols, raising urgent questions about how AI tools are integrated into life‑and‑death decision‑making. It underscores the need for robust human oversight to prevent future civilian casualties.

indiandefensenews.in · Sep 20

Sukhoi Su-57 Pixel Camouflage Redefines Stealth Against American Grey Doctrine

Russian analysts say the Sukhoi Su‑57 “Felon” diverges from U.S. fifth‑generation fighters by using a digital pixel camouflage instead of the uniform grey finish typical of the F‑22 and F‑35. The pattern combines jagged geometric shapes and multiple colour bands to break up the aircraft’s visual silhouette and to confuse computer‑vision algorithms employed by reconnaissance satellites and drones. While both Russian and American designs rely on aerodynamic shaping, radar‑absorbing materials and AESA radars, the Su‑57 adds multi‑layered molecular treatments to manage heat generated by iron‑carbonyl‑based coatings, limiting infrared signatures. Russian doctrine anticipates close‑range dogfights when long‑range stealth advantages cancel out, so the camouflage supports both visual deception and AI‑resistant tracking in contested airspace.

💡 The pixel scheme gives Russia a stealth edge against AI‑driven surveillance, challenging the U.S. reliance on radar‑only concealment.

indiandefensenews.in · Sep 20

Ikran Aerospace’s Sirin-A1 Weapon-Integrated Combat UAV Demonstrated To The Army

India’s Ikran Aerospace demonstrated its Siren‑A1 combat UAV to the army in Jalandhar, showcasing a 40‑kg rotorcraft capable of carrying 10 kg of modular weapons or sensors. The platform can mount AK‑47/AK‑203 rifles, grenade dispensers, mortar launchers and night‑vision cameras, with AI‑driven target recognition and remote firing via indigenous software. Flight time ranges from 15 to 30 minutes, covering 2–5 km at a 3,000‑metre ceiling, allowing short‑range tactical support and reconnaissance. Led by retired Captain Vidul Kelshikar, the system was also displayed at Aero India 2025, where Ikran confirmed talks with the Indian Air Force about procurement. The Siren‑A1 represents a push for indigenously produced, weapon‑integrated drones to augment India’s border and counter‑insurgency operations and could reshape low‑altitude battlefield tactics for forces.

💡 Field‑testing a gun‑armed, AI‑guided drone gives India a home‑grown, precision strike capability that cuts dependence on expensive foreign systems.

techcrunch.com · Sep 20

Even mid-sprint to a secret flight, the Navy’s tech chief has a…

Justin Fanelli, the U.S. Navy’s chief technology officer, has spent three and a half years reshaping how the service engages with commercial innovators. Moving from a “spaghetti chart” of entry points to a funnel‑like model, the Navy now pulls proven startups into its technology base as enterprise services. This week Fanelli, en route to a secret, overnight flight, announced a refreshed list of the Navy’s multi‑year technology priorities, vetted by a small group of venture investors before public release. He said the Navy’s annual procurement budget hovers around $150 billion, but most spending still follows traditional channels. The service is increasingly pursuing co‑investment—partnering with private capital and buying mature Series D‑F companies—while shifting early‑stage risk to commercial investors.

💡 By delegating seed‑stage risk to the private sector, the Navy accelerates access to cutting‑edge tech while preserving taxpayer dollars for proven solutions.

techcrunch.com · Sep 19

AI hallucination nearly triggers US military operation

During spring operations, U.S. military aircraft were poised to strike a Chinese vessel based on intelligence generated by an AI chatbot. The chatbot fabricated evidence that the ship carried nuclear weapons components, a claim that was later verified as false. The error, originating from a Special Operations Command analyst who used the AI to synthesize open‑source and classified data, led to an aborted strike that narrowly avoided a conflict with China. The incident highlights growing concerns over AI reliability in military decision‑making.

💡 The episode exposes the risk that unchecked AI hallucinations can trigger near‑war scenarios, underscoring the need for rigorous verification protocols before force is applied.