As governments and defense organizations prepare for the cybersecurity implications of quantum computing, post-quantum secure communications are becoming a strategic defense priority. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in St. Gallen, Terra Quantum offers Quantum as a Service (QaaS) across several pillars, one of which, Quantum Security as a Service, covers secure quantum and post-quantum communications.

This week, the company announced the delivery of its quantum-secure communications simulation platform to the U.S. Air Force, enabling evaluation of post-quantum cryptographic communications in mission-critical DDIL environments. The milestone follows successful SBIR Phase I and Phase II collaborations with the U.S. Department of the Air Force (DAF) focused on enabling quantum secure communications in denied, degraded, intermittent, and low-bandwidth (DDIL) operational environments. The delivery marks the platform's transition to operational defense testing and capability evaluation.

The system bridges the gap between emerging post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards and real-world operational deployment by allowing PQC protocols, key exchange mechanisms, and networking architectures to be tested under realistic mission conditions. "The delivery of this platform to the U.S. Air Force represents an important step in transitioning quantum-secure communications from research into operational capability," said Markus Pflitsch, founder and CEO of Terra Quantum.

Successful test with Maltese telecommunications operator

On top of this, Terra Quantum has deployed a quantum key distribution link connecting Maltese telecommunications operator Melita's two primary data centers across a live fiber network. The installation, carried out with Malta-based cybersecurity company Merqury, integrates Terra Quantum's core technology with Merqury's networking hardware and key management capabilities.

Unlike many experimental quantum communication systems that require dedicated dark fiber, the system runs on Melita's existing lit fiber infrastructure via Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing, without infrastructure modifications. It enables the secure exchange of cryptographic keys used to protect sensitive communications. The companies reported that the deployment has handled tens of thousands of key requests with zero unplanned client-impacting incidents.

These results validate the feasibility of integrating quantum security into live telecommunications networks and accelerate the transition toward commercial quantum-secure communication services.

(www.startupticker.ch)