On May 27, 2025, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) at Metcalfe House, Delhi. The new facility is designed to advance sovereign quantum technologies across critical defence and strategic domains, marking a major milestone in India’s national quantum infrastructure.
QTRC houses advanced experimental setups focused on quantum lasers, single-photon sources, alkali vapor cell characterization, and quantum key distribution (QKD) technologies. These capabilities will support the development of ultra-secure communication protocols in a post-quantum cryptographic landscape. The initiative is spearheaded by DRDO’s Scientific Analysis Group (SAG), in alignment with national security objectives.
The Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) leads foundational research at QTRC, including work on ultra-small atomic clocks using coherent population trapping, atomic magnetometers for high-sensitivity magnetic field detection, and solid-state quantum devices. These projects aim to improve resilience in GPS-denied environments and enhance detection capabilities for defence applications.
DRDO’s investment in QTRC reinforces its leading role in India’s National Quantum Mission. The centre is expected to catalyze innovation in quantum sensing, secure networks, and fault-tolerant systems, with a clear focus on indigenous development.
DRDO’s official press release is here, and coverage by ETV Bharat is available here.
May 28, 2025
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