Army sets up quantum computing lab, AI centre at MP’s engineering institute

The two centres will carry out extensive research in developing transformative technologies for use by the armed forces.

The Indian Army, with support of National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), has set up a quantum computing laboratory and a centre for artificial intelligence at Military College of Telecommunication Engineering in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. The two centres will carry out extensive research in developing transformative technologies for use by the armed forces. 

Key thrust areas are quantum key distribution, quantum communication, quantum computing and post quantum cryptography, the force said. Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane visited the facility to take stock of the situation and see technological research being taken by the labs. 

Indian Army has established an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre at the same institution with over 140 deployments in forward areas and active support of the industry and academia. Training on cyber warfare is being imparted through a state-of-art cyber range and cyber security labs.  

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).  

By undertaking a multi-stakeholder approach incorporating academia such as IITs, DRDO organisations, research institutes, corporate firms, startups and industry players, this initiative is an apt example of civil military fusion with Atmanirbhar Bharat a key driving factor. Requisite timelines-based objectives with adequate funding have been worked out for projects and progressive fielding of solutions in the Indian Army is expected on a fast-track basis. 
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